Fascinating People In The Bible--Esau  

Genesis 25:25

Before the twins Jacob and Esau were born to Rebekah and Isaac, it was predicted that the elder would serve the younger. Red-haired Esau was born first, followed by Jacob, clutching his brother's heel.

Esau grew up to become a skillful hunter, while Jacob chose to work as a cultivator. On his return from a hunting trip one day, a ravenous Esau impulsively sold his birthright..the firstborn's double share of the inheritance...to Jacob in return for bread and lentil stew. When a blind and aging Isaac was preparing to give his blessing to Esau, Jacob, with the help of Rebekah, disguised himself as Esau, went before his father, and received the blessing Isaac intended for Esau.

Esau was devastated. He begged for another blessing and hated Jacob for cheating him. Esau threatened to kill Jacob, but the younger brother fled to safety. After this, Esau took his wives and settled in the land of Seir south of the Dead Sea, while Jacob and his family inhabited Canaan. Many years passed before the brothers met again. They reconciled, thanks to Esau's forgiving spirit and his willingness to accept Jacob's gift of restitution and appeasement. However, Esau became the ancestral father of the Edomites, a nation that came into repeated conflict with Jacob's descendants, the Israelites.