M³ Bucking the Trend

            So far, we have had Cain and Esau demonstrate to us that the first-born son is not always the best one. The Bible is very carefully starting a pattern, one that we will see continued with Jacob’s many sons. To the Hebrews, it is more important that the person most deserving, the one who works the hardest be the one to inherit, regardless of birth order.

M³ Half the Formula

            The physical portion of the birthright is set in tradition and law. It’s very contractual in its way. But it’s only half of what Jacob needs to ensure his father’s legacy and to safeguard his mother.

            Unfortunately, the other half is up to Isaac to bestow however he wishes. The blessing is a companion piece to the physical birthright. It generally follows the birthright, but it’s really up to the giver of the blessing (usually the family patriarch) to give it to whomever he wished.

M³ Protecting Isaac's Legacy

            Esau, due to his lack of skills as a hunter, and for not being around to tend to his father’s lands, really is not the best candidate for inheritance. With him, the land would likely just go back to wilderness, and the flocks would end up sold, slaughtered, or wander off. In the end, Isaac’s legacy would also dwindle to nothing under Esau. He would be a poor caretaker for everything.

M³ The Good Son

            It’s easy to vilify Jacob in this. I mean, it’s pretty absurd to sell stew for a birthright. Even worse to do so while his brother is hungry (although that’s the only time he’ll ever agree to that kind of discounted price, I’m sure). Jacob comes off as kind of predatory in this, and that he doesn’t care about family at all.

M³ Never Bargain when Hungry

            Esau the Hunter went out hunting one day, only he didn’t catch anything. The reasons why are not given, but it might be a clue to his general character, later on. He returned home to find his brother Jacob cooking a stew of some vegetables. Since he hadn’t caught anything, he was pretty hungry, so he asked for some stew.