Genesis 25:29-34

The Selling of the Birthright

A special blessing ordinarily went to the firstborn. In fact, under the law of Moses, the firstborn received a double portion when the inheritance was distributed. Of course, in the case of a descendant of Abraham and Isaac, the son of promise, God's promised blessing would also be there for the seed line. Yet, Esau considered immediate gratification of physical needs more important than the lasting benefits of the birthright.

When Esau came in from the field faint with hunger, he found Jacob preparing a stew. Jacob took advantage of the situation. He asked his brother to sell him the birthright for some of the stew. Esau reasoned death by starvation would eliminate the value of future blessings, so he agreed to sell. An inspired penman would later warn, "lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright" (Hebrews 12:16). He showed more regard for his stomach than for God's blessings (Genesis 25:29-34).