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Why did Esau so desperately want Isaac's blessings?

by Rabbi Naftali Silberberg

  

Library » History » Patriarchs, 12 Tribes | Subscribe | What is RSS?

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When Jacob outsmarted Esau and received his father Isaac’s blessings, Esau was outraged. “He cried out a great and bitter cry, and he said to his father, ‘Bless me too, O my father!’... And Esau raised his voice and wept.” Esau had been anticipating these blessings for many years – contrary to popular misconception, Esau and Jacob were 63 years old when this story happened – and for decades long, Esau had feigned religious observance because he wanted his father to believe that he was worthy of the blessings. He was utterly devastated when he realized that he, the on-the-ball, worldly hunter, had been outwitted by his religious “goody-goody” brother.

It is remarkable that this person who was a murderer, rapist and glutton, was so eager to receive the blessing of a Tzaddik (righteous person). Esau wasn’t out for a large inheritance; after all, Isaac was an elderly, blind person who had nothing to offer other than his blessings. Rather, as someone who was raised in the households of Abraham and Isaac, he was well aware of the value of a Tzaddik’s blessing. Esau was a Jew who was born to a Jewish mother (unlike Ishmael who was born to Hagar the Egyptian), and therefore possessed a Divine soul which imbued him with a strong belief in G-d and the super-natural. His “Jewish heart,” however, did not manifest itself in his immoral lifestyle, which was contrary to all he had learned in his father’s home. He knew what was right, but was unwilling to make the necessary sacrifices to live an ethical, spiritual Jewish life.

The Divine plan determined that Jacob, not Esau, receive the blessings. For Jacob was a Jew not only at heart, but in practice as well. As opposed to other religions which are faith-based, the Torah recognizes that faith alone does not allow us to accomplish the mission of revealing G-dliness in this world, and transforming ourselves and the world around us into a Divine abode. Only through actually practicing Torah and Mitzvahs can this goal be achieved.

In a small way, we can all relate to Esau’s dilemma. We know what is proper, but oftentimes lack the strength and willpower to implement that which is proper into our daily lives. We must always remember that only the practice of Torah and Mitzvahs make us to be a receptacle for Divine blessings. Blessings must be earned, and faith isn’t a product of a person’s labor, it naturally exists within every Jew due to the G-dly soul which was given by G-d. Only the hard work of applying this faith in day-to-day life makes a person worthy of all of G-d’s blessings.


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Esau's desire for Isaac's Blessing

Posted by: Melanie J. Huff, De Ridder, LA on Mar 14, 2005

What a wonderful web site. I cannot imagine better teachers of the Old Testament (Torah) than by those who originally wrote it down, were chosen as a special people by Our Creator, still practice many of its traditions, and -- I feel -- have a special knowledge given unto them. In all of my studies, I have always focused on Jacob and just thought of Esau as such a loser. I never stopped to think that he as one born into the lineage of G-d's people had to have had a deeper side. Thank you so much for the insight and I pray that you would not mind if I visit you site again. Mel
Torah
Torah is G–d’s teaching to man. In general terms, we refer to the Five Books of Moses as “The Torah.” But in truth, all Jewish beliefs and laws are part of the Torah.
Tzaddik
(fem. Tzidkanit; pl. Tzaddikim). A saint, or righteous person.
Abraham
First Jew, and first of our three Patriarchs. Born into a pagan society in Mesepotamia in 1812 BCE, he discovered monethieism on his own. He was told by G-d to journey to the Land of Canaan where he and his wife Sarah would give birth to the Jewish People.
Jacob
Third of the three Patriarchs and father of the Twelve Tribes. Lived most his life in Canaan and died in Egypt in 1505 BCE. Also known by the name of "Israel."
Isaac
Second of the three Jewish Patriarchs, son of Abraham and Sarah. Lived in Canaan (Israel); b. 1712 BCE, d. 1532 BCE.
Esau
Rogue son of Patriarch Isaac and Matriarch Rebecca. Elder twin of Patriarch Jacob.
Ishmael
Son of the Patriarch Abraham and half-brother of Patriarch Isaac. Ancestor of many Arab tribes.
G-d
It is forbidden to erase or deface the name of G-d. It is therefore customary to insert a dash in middle of G-d's name, allowing us to erase or discard the paper it is written on if necessary.