22. When the children inside her were struggling with each other, she said, “If it’s like this now, what will become of me?” So she went to ask the Lord.
23. The Lord said to her,“Two countries are in your womb.Two nations will go their separate ways from birth.One nation will be stronger than the other,and the older will serve the younger.”
24. When the time came for her to give birth, she had twins.
25. The first one born was red. His whole body was covered with hair, so they named him Esau [Hairy].
26. Afterwards, his brother was born with his hand holding on to Esau’s heel, and so he was named Jacob [Heel]. Isaac was 60 years old when they were born.
27. They grew up. Esau became an expert hunter, an outdoorsman. Jacob remained a quiet man, staying around the tents.
28. Because Isaac liked to eat the meat of wild animals, he loved Esau. However, Rebekah loved Jacob.
29. Once, Jacob was preparing a meal when Esau, exhausted, came in from outdoors.
30. So Esau said to Jacob, “Let me have the whole pot of red stuff to eat—that red stuff—I’m exhausted.” This is why he was called Edom.
31. Jacob responded, “First, sell me your rights as firstborn.”
32. “I’m about to die.” Esau said. “What good is my inheritance to me?”
33. “First, swear an oath,” Jacob said. So Esau swore an oath to him and sold him his rights as firstborn.
34. Then Jacob gave Esau a meal of bread and lentils. He ate and drank, and then he got up and left.This is how Esau showed his contempt for his rights as firstborn.