Esau vs. Isaac

Attribute	Esau	Isaac
Birth Order	Firstborn	Secondborn
Physical Appearance	Hairy	Smooth-skinned
Personality	Impulsive, outdoorsman	Mild-mannered, peaceful
Relationship with Parents	Favored by father, distant from mother	Favored by mother, distant from father

Physical Attributes

Esau and Isaac, the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah, had distinct physical attributes that set them apart. Esau was described as a hairy man, while Isaac was smooth-skinned. Esau was also known for his red hair, earning him the nickname "Edom," which means red. In contrast, Isaac was not described in terms of his physical appearance as much as Esau was.

Personality Traits

Esau and Isaac also had different personality traits that shaped their characters. Esau was impulsive and driven by his immediate desires, as seen when he traded his birthright for a bowl of stew. He was also known for his hunting skills and love for the outdoors. On the other hand, Isaac was more contemplative and obedient, as demonstrated by his willingness to follow his father's instructions, even when it meant sacrificing his own life.

Relationship with God

Esau and Isaac had contrasting relationships with God. Esau was portrayed as a man who did not value his birthright or the blessings of God. He married foreign women, which displeased his parents and went against the traditions of his family. In contrast, Isaac was a man of faith who trusted in God's promises. He was willing to wait patiently for God's timing, even when faced with challenges and uncertainties.

Parental Favoritism

Isaac and Rebekah showed favoritism towards different sons, which had a significant impact on their relationship. Rebekah favored Jacob, while Isaac favored Esau. This favoritism led to deception and conflict within the family, as Jacob tricked Isaac into giving him Esau's blessing. The consequences of this favoritism were far-reaching and contributed to the division between the brothers.

Legacy

Despite their differences, both Esau and Isaac left behind a lasting legacy. Esau became the father of the Edomites, a nation that played a significant role in biblical history. His descendants were known for their strength and resilience, even though they were often at odds with the Israelites. Isaac, on the other hand, was the father of Jacob, who became the patriarch of the twelve tribes of Israel. Through Jacob, the promise of God to Abraham was fulfilled, and the nation of Israel was established.