Second son - Jacob
Tradition in most cultures, including the Hebrew, dictates that he first-born son receives the inheritance or favor in the inheritance. This string of second-son inheritors is out of the norm and is used by God to prophesy of Christ.
Jacob the literal second son
Esau and Jacob were twins. Esau was born first and Jacob was born right on his heels. [1]
Esau's personality reflects that of the earthly man; the man of the flesh. He traded his birthright for a boiling pottage.
Jacob the riddle second son
Esau's characteristics also indicate his earthly nature in riddle and symbol. When he was born he was red in color. [2] The Hebrew word for red is 'adam'. The same as the name for the first man Adam. Esau was also hairy all over his body. Hair is a symbol for authority. In riddle is suggests that Esau was a man who gave authority to his body/flesh.
He traded his birthright for soup. In Hebrew this is zood nazid or 'pride' 'son of man's pride'. [3] This fits well with the image of Esau being earthly. When he asked for the pottage, he asked for the red (Adam) pottage, and his name was changed to Edom, which is spelled the same as Adam. [4]
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References
- ↑ Ge 25:26 And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau’s heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac [was] threescore years old when she bare them.
- ↑ Ge 25:25 And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.
- ↑ Ge 25:29 ¶ And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he [was] faint:
- ↑ Ge 25:30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red [pottage]; for I [am] faint: therefore was his name called Edom.
