Knowing The Word in Genesis 25:29-34, Esau Sells His Birthright

29 Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted. 30 And Esau said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!” (Therefore his name was called Edom [which sounds like “red”].) 31 Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright now.” [His quick response seems to rise from premeditation leading to ruthless exploitation. The first born received a double portion in Israel, and this is what Jacob wants. He wants to be first.] 32 Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” [For someone who is about to die, he keeps speaking, suggesting an indifference to his privileged birth position.] 33 Jacob said [confirming his cold, calculating character], “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright. [While we were expecting a hearty, meaty stew, all Esau gets is lentils! The narrator makes a moral comment. Esau treated his great worth with flippancy. In a sense he has despised himself and God and now must trade places with Jacob.]