Genesis 27:30-46

Esau's Despair

Almost as soon as Jacob had left, Esau returned with the meat he had killed and prepared. Isaac asked who he was. As soon as Esau identified himself, Isaac realized the deception which had taken place. Esau pleaded for a blessing from his father but the real blessing, though received by deceit, had already gone to his brother. Esau declared his brother properly named Jacob, meaning supplanter. He had supplanted his brother in the birthright and blessing. Isaac did give him such blessing as he could. He said:

Behold your dwelling shall be of the fatness of the earth, And of the dew of heaven from above. By your sword you shall live, And you shall serve your brother; And it shall come to pass, when you become restless, That you shall break his yoke from your neck.

This paltry blessing seemed to focus Esau's hatred for his brother. He resolved to kill his brother after the time of mourning for his dead father would be finished. Apparently, someone who heard Esau told Rebekah. She called Jacob and had him prepare to go to her brother's house until the anger subsided. Then, Rebekah went to Isaac and convinced him to send Jacob to Laban's house to find a wife rather than have another daughter-in-law from among the people around them (Genesis 27:30-46).