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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadPaul Kretzmann Commentary - Genesis 25:24 - 25:28
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The Two Sons, Esau and Jacob
v. 24. And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.
v. 25. And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. So Esau was the first of the twins to be born, and, in allusion to the reddish, thick growth of hair which even then covered his body like a garment of skins, he was given the name, which means "the hairy one. " Thus early his sensual, hard characteristics, his wildness, became evident.
v. 26. And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob. The name signifies "the holder of the heel," "the cunning one," because he was supposed to have taken advantage of his brother thus early in life. And Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.
v. 27. And the boys grew; and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents. The natural wildness of Esau's character was soon revealed in the fact that he became skilful in the chase, loved to roam across the country far and wide for the mere love of killing game. Jacob was the very opposite, a quiet young man, opposed to all violence, much preferring to remain in the tents and tend to the matters at home.
v. 28. And Isaac loved Esau because he did eat of his venison, literally, game, the result of the chase, was in his mouth, he was very partial to its wild taste; but Rebekah loved Jacob, partly because she remembered the promise of the Lord, partly because of his love for the quiet life of the home.