Traditional chronology: c. 18th–17th century BCE
Esau is a figure in Genesis, the elder twin son of Isaac and Rebekah and the brother of Jacob. The narrative portrays him as a hunter who sells his birthright to Jacob for food and later loses the paternal blessing when Jacob, aided by Rebekah, deceives their ageing father.
Genesis later describes a reconciliation between the brothers after years of separation. Esau is presented as the ancestor of Edom, linking the family story of the patriarchs with later biblical traditions about the neighbouring Edomite people. Esau is the elder twin son of Isaac and Rebekah and the brother of Jacob in Genesis, associated with Edom.
In Angela Hunt’s Unwavering Heart, Her early resolve to love her children without favour is tested when the twins Esau and Jacob develop opposing temperaments and when divine words about their future seem to conflict with custom and paternal preference.