Heb 12:16-17 | TNotes | STEP | 12:16 Ancient Jewish literature describes Esau as sexually immoral because he was married to the Hittite women Judith and Basemath (Gen 26:34 ; see Jubilees 25:1; Philo, On the Virtues 208). • Esau’s lack of regard for his birthright (Gen 25:29-34 ) was godless . His willingness to give up God’s blessings for immediate satisfaction illustrates the opposite of faith.

bGen 26:34►

cGen 25:29-34►

fGen 27:30-40►

‏ Hebrews 12:16-17

12:16 ^a Ancient Jewish literature describes Esau as sexually immoral because he was married to the Hittite women Judith and Basemath (Gen 26:34 ^b; see Jubilees 25:1; Philo, On the Virtues 208).

• Esau’s lack of regard for his birthright (Gen 25:29-34 ^c) was godless. His willingness to give up God’s blessings for immediate satisfaction illustrates the opposite of faith.
12:17 ^d Hebrews sees Esau’s disregard for his inheritance (12:16 ^e) and his loss of the blessing (Gen 27:30-40 ^f) as intrinsically related. The result was bitter tears. By analogy, those who reject an inheritance through Christ’s new covenant have only bitterness in their future.