Genesis 25:24-26
Summary for Gen 25:24-26: 25:24-26 a When the twins were born, the unusual circumstances inspired each boy’s name and hinted at what would happen to them in the future.25:25 b Two wordplays anticipate Esau’s later life. Esau sounds like Hebrew se‘ar, which means “hair”; Esau’s later homeland, Edom, was known as Seir (“hairy”) because it was wooded (as though covered with hair).
• red (Hebrew ’admoni) sounds like Esau’s other name, Edom (25:27-34 c); Edom had red soil.
• Esau’s >hair was like the fur coat of an animal, foreshadowing his unspiritual character (25:34 d; Heb 12:16 e; cp. Lev 26:22 f; Deut 7:22 g; 1 Cor 15:32 h). The description of the child uses words that highlight the Edomites’ nature.
25:26 i The name Jacob (Hebrew ya‘aqob, from Hebrew ‘aqeb, “heel, footprint”) was originally positive, meaning “protect” (like a rear guard), but it took on the negative meaning of “heel grabber” or “deceiver” in the context of Jacob’s deceptive, grasping, usurping character (see 27:36 j).
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