The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Esau?
What Esau’s Story Teaches Us About The Power of Choices
When God speaks in Scripture, He often identifies Himself as “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” That phrase isn’t just poetic—it’s prophetic. It’s a declaration of God’s covenant lineage, His faithfulness to a family, and His unfolding plan for redemption.
But have you ever stopped to ask:
Why not Abraham, Isaac, and Esau?
After all, Esau was the firstborn. He was the one in line to receive the birthright. He was in position. But in a moment of weakness, he gave it all away—and his name was replaced in the divine legacy.
The Value of the Birthright
In the ancient Hebrew world, the birthright wasn’t just a family tradition. It was a sacred trust. It carried spiritual leadership, covenant promises, and a double portion of the inheritance. Esau’s birthright connected him directly to the promises God made to Abraham.
But when he came in from the field tired and hungry, he traded all of it—for a bowl of stew.
His exact words?
“Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?” (Genesis 25:32)
He exaggerated his need, gave in to his flesh, and made a permanent decision in a temporary moment of weakness.
Spiritual Truth: Your Feelings Can’t Be Trusted
Esau’s biggest failure wasn’t just the trade—it was that he allowed his emotions to override eternal truth. As the prophet Jeremiah said:
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)
That’s the same trap many fall into today. We give up on prayer, on calling, on holiness—not because we’ve lost it, but because we feel tired, discouraged, or frustrated. But your feelings don’t define your future—your choices do.
The Legacy of a Single Decision
Esau’s choice didn’t just impact his life—it reshaped the course of history.
His descendants, the Edomites, became enemies of Israel, choosing hostility over humility and rebellion over reconciliation.
“For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever.” (Obadiah 1:10)
And the most chilling part?
One of Esau’s descendants was Herod the Great—the king who tried to murder the infant Jesus in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16).
Herod the Edomite: A Legacy of Opposition
Herod the Great was of Edomite descent. His family came from Idumaea, the ancient land of Edom. Though his ancestors had converted to Judaism under Hasmonean rule in the 2nd century BC, Herod’s lineage was still Edomite, a fact that many Jews in Jesus’ day resented.
- His father, Antipater, was an Idumaean political figure who rose to power with Roman support.
- Herod was appointed “King of the Jews” by Rome—but he wasn’t of David’s line, and he wasn’t trusted by Israel’s religious leaders.
- While Herod practiced Judaism publicly, his bloodline came from Esau, not Jacob.
- And like his ancestor Esau, he fought against God’s plan rather than walking in it.
When Herod ordered the slaughter of the infants in Bethlehem, he wasn’t just acting as a paranoid king—he was fulfilling the tragic legacy of a man who once despised his birthright.
A Warning—and a Call
Esau’s story is not just a warning—it’s a mirror.
We, too, are heirs of a spiritual birthright.
Through Jesus Christ, we are joint-heirs with Him (Romans 8:17).
We’ve been given access to His promises, His presence, and His power.
But like Esau, we face moments of decision—moments where the pressure of the present tempts us to abandon the promise of the future.
What Could Have Been
Had Esau honored his position, perhaps we would read that God introduced Himself as “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Esau.”
His story could have been one of faithfulness, of covenant, of destiny fulfilled.
But instead, we remember him for his failure.
Yet even here, grace still speaks.
The God of Mercy
If you’ve made decisions you regret…
If you’ve walked away from your calling…
If you’ve traded spiritual purpose for temporary relief…
Hear this:
“It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22–23)
“But God, who is rich in mercy…” (Ephesians 2:4)
Esau walked away.
But you don’t have to.
Final Reflection
Don’t sell your spiritual inheritance for a moment of relief.
Don’t let exhaustion speak louder than God’s promise.
Don’t repeat Esau’s mistake—live worthy of your birthright.
Because God is still the God of Abraham, Isaac…and He wants to be the God of you.