Why did esau despise his birthright

He ate and drank, and then got up and left. Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me…with that same red pottage stew ; for I am faint.

Knowing the character of his brother, Jacob replied: Sell me this day thy birthright. Esau had no interest in spiritual things so he agreed, saying: I am at the point about to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? Genesis Believing a person rather than the Bible in regard to statements that are not edifying to our souls.

Example: Esau may have ignored the Torah and Jewish commentary on the birthright tradition. Trying to please other people rather than trying to please God. Example: Esau may have wanted to please Jacob in devouring some of his delicious soup when Esau was hungry from hunting all day.

Worrying about the future. Example: Instead of trusting God would provide food for his hungry stomach in short order, Esau took the first food he saw! Reverend Kirchner extolls us to keep the faith and be grateful for what we have right now.

We can trust God to provide for us in the future Proverbs I think, for example, of times when I choose to watch some mindless drivel on TV rather than spend some quiet time in fellowship with my Heavenly Father.

Then there are the times I quench the Spirit through my sin, losing touch with the promise of my heavenly inheritance. At other times I live as if I must earn God's favor, forgetting his amazing grace. Today, by God's help, I want to live fully as a blessed, beloved child of God, delighting in and embracing my "new-birthright.

What might you do today to live more fully as God's beloved, forgiven, blessed child? How often have I "despised my birthright" by failing to value that which you have given me as your child?

More times than I can count, I'm quite sure. Forgive me, dear Father, for such folly. Forgive me for my poor priorities. The swearing of an oath, in that era, was as binding as the signing of a modern written contract. The chapter ends with what appears to be an obvious statement.

Esau "despised" his birthright. He didn't hold it with the value it was worth, and did not take care to protect it. Ligonier Ministries. Supporting Ligonier. Renewing Your Mind. Ligonier Connect. Reformation Study Bible. Reformation Bible College.