Genesis 25:29 Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished.
My first thought when I read today’s verses is Esau’s comment about being “about to die” is said because he is so very hungry. Commentary says that the comment shows his lack of regard for the spiritual (and physical, I suppose) inheritance of his birthright. Life is short. He’ll die at the end of it. What does he care about birthrights?
Genesis 25:30-31 He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.) Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.”
Truly, though, Esau is guilty of something we all are guilty of at times–providing for his physical wants and needs without being concerned about the spiritual. Esau is hungry right now. There is stew right there. Who cares about anything other than this current need/want/desire that can be so easily fulfilled?
Genesis 25:32-33 “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?” But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.
Precious Savior, It’s easy to sit in judgment, to armchair quarterback what other people do, should do, should have done. Help us to be more concerned with our own lives, our own spiritual growth and health. Help us to think further than our immediate desires and comfort and to consider our eternal health as well. Amen.
Genesis 25:34 Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright.
Have a blessed day.