See also Isaac; Jacob, Son of Isaac

In the Old Testament, Isaac and Rebekah’s elder son and Jacob’s twin brother. The two brothers were rivals from their birth (Gen. 25: 19-26). Esau’s descendants, the Edomites, and Jacob’s descendants, the Israelites, became rival nations (Gen. 25: 23).

Esau sold his birthright to Jacob, Gen. 25: 33 (Heb. 12: 16-17). Esau married Hittite wives to the sorrow of his parents, Gen. 26: 34-35. Jacob and Esau were reconciled, Gen. 33.