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(27) So the boys grew. And Esau was a skillful
hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was a mild man, dwelling in tents.
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These characteristics probably made him less appealing to others, perhaps
even a puzzle others avoided penetrating. Like Esau, he is shown to be a
physically strong, robust person, yet quiet, reflective, pastoral, timid,
steady, orderly, and contemplative.
It is interesting that each parent favored the son whose characteristics were
most unlike him or her. The quiet peacemaking Isaac
rejoices in the woodsy wildness of the adventurous Esau. The vigorous,
take-charge Rebekah finds an outlet for her tenderness in the quiet, reflective,
hesitant Jacob.
Genesis 27 shows Jacob, with Rebekah's urging, using food, clothing, and
craftiness to take advantage of Isaac's blindness and deceive him. Other
scriptures also show Jacob cunningly deceiving Laban, his father-in-law. The
Bible shows a clear contrast in personality between Esau and Jacob. Jacob,
rather than using his physical strength like Esau, employed perseverance and
dogged tenacity, preferring to use clever deceits and inventive strategies to
achieve his ambitions.
Undoubtedly, he was creative, a man who looked and planned ahead. He did not
merely live for the moment. He was always planning how to get the upper hand and
the best of a deal to come out on top. Clearly, he was not above lying to get
what he wanted. However, he was persistent and persevering, and over a lifetime,
he became a better man by far than his brother.
The story of these two sons also parallels the fable of the race between the
tortoise and the hare. Jacob, like the tortoise, through much plodding
persistence succeeded, while the more colorful Esau, like the hare, failed
because he beat himself. Though Jacob was also his own worst enemy, he never
despised or turned his back on the hallowed things of God.
With the help of God's calling, he overcame, and in the end, he became one of
the great men in the history of Israel. He is not labeled as worldly like his
twin but a true man of faith
like his father and grandfather before him.
— John W. Ritenbaugh
To learn more, see:
Eating: How Good It Is! (Part Two)
Related Topics:
Esau
Esau's Temperament
Isaac
Isaac's Sons
Jacob
Jacob's Temperament
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