Isaac married Rebekah at forty, but for years she had no child. Isaac prayed for his wife, and she became pregnant. When the children struggled inside her, Rebekah asked God what was happening.
God told her that two nations were in her womb. One would be stronger than the other, and the older would serve the younger. The first twin was red and hairy and was named Esau. The second came out holding Esau’s heel and was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty when they were born.
Esau grew into a skillful hunter who lived in the open country, while Jacob was a quiet man who stayed among the tents. Isaac loved Esau and the game he brought home. Rebekah loved Jacob.
One day, as Jacob cooked stew, Esau returned exhausted from the field and asked for some of the red food. Jacob demanded Esau’s birthright in exchange. Esau said he was about to die and saw no use in the right of the firstborn.
Jacob required an oath, and Esau swore away his birthright. Jacob gave him bread and lentil stew. Esau ate, drank, rose, and left. In this way he treated his birthright with contempt.