The character of Esau

Let's look at Esau. He liked hunting. His father, Isaac, liked that he liked hunting. It's a man thing. Does that make Esau suspect? I don't think so. Is it somehow a blot on a person's character because they like hunting? How could that be? It's a legitimate method of obtaining food, a demonstration of skill and courage. The fact of hunting is not what casts a shadow on Esau's character. It casts a shadow on Isaac's because he allowed that factor, along with Esau being his firstborn, to prejudice him against the true chosen one - Jacob. It is Isaac's character that is at issue when the bible points out that part of Esau's life.

The more serious issues begin with his sale of the birthright, which I've discussed in length. Then there's his marriage to two Canaanite women,the same Canaanites whom God would instruct the Israelites to utterly annihilate because of their religious, moral, and societal perversity. Again, Esau's ability or refusal to make judgments according to God's standards is demonstrated. Ultimately, Esau doesn't care about God or His standards. Nowhere in the narrative does the reader see Esau seeking anything higher than filling his belly and getting what he thinks is his due - the birth right and the Blessing. Yet, he can sell the birthright and comment on it as if it's not worth his time or concern. When he gets what is his due, that is, what God considers his due, he reacts with the attitude of Cain - kill the brother whom God favored. Actually, Cain is presented as a more admirable character. At least, God warned Cain about not submitting to temptation, as if there was hope for him. With Esau, the status of hunter gains bad press; he's a hunter in the worst sense of the word - he will hunt a human who displeases him.

This is a picture of complete selfishness, self-absorption, narcissism, and and spoiled-brattism. So, why do teachers and preachers accuse Jacob of selfishness and cunning and being spoiled?