Esau and Jacob

Part 1

There was a man named Isaac and his wife, Rebekah. They prayed to God for a child, and God gave them two at once: twins! The first to be born was named Esau. He was red-haired and very hairy. When he grew up, he became a great hunter who loved the outdoors.

Soon after, his brother, Jacob, was born. He was born holding Esau's heel! Jacob was a quiet boy who liked to stay home, near the tents. Dad Isaac loved Esau more, because of the delicious food he brought from hunting. But Mom Rebekah loved Jacob more.

Part 2

One day, Esau came back from the field, very tired and as hungry as a lion! At that moment, Jacob was in the kitchen preparing a delicious lentil stew. The wonderful smell spread throughout the whole house.

'Please, give me some of that red stew! I’m almost fainting from hunger!' Esau begged. Jacob saw a chance to get something he really wanted: the right to be the oldest son, which belonged to Esau.

So, Jacob proposed a trade. He would give the stew if Esau sold him his special birthright. Esau was so hungry that he didn't think twice and agreed. He traded something very important for a plate of food.

Part 3

Time passed and Isaac grew very old. His eyes could no longer see. One day, he called Esau, his oldest son, and said: 'My son, please go to the field, hunt an animal, and prepare for me that tasty food I love so much.'

Isaac continued: 'After I eat, I will give you my most special blessing, a prayer for God to take care of you all your life.'

Rebekah, the boys' mother, was listening secretly. Since she loved Jacob more, she had an idea for Jacob to receive the blessing instead of Esau.

Part 4

Rebekah hurried and prepared Isaac’s favorite food. Then, she took Esau's best clothes and put them on Jacob. To trick his father, she covered Jacob’s smooth arms and neck with goat skins, so he would feel hairy like his brother.

Jacob brought the food to his father, who was lying down. Isaac was doubtful when he heard his son's voice and asked to touch him. He felt the hairy arms and was convinced it was Esau. So, Isaac blessed Jacob, thinking he was his older son.

Isaac: The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are Esau’s hands.

Part 5

As soon as Jacob received the blessing and left, Esau arrived with the food he had prepared. When he discovered that his brother had tricked him, he cried very loudly, his heart full of sadness and anger. He lost his father's special blessing.

Because of what he did, Jacob had to run away from home to escape his brother's fury. The lie brought separation and pain to the family. But, even when people make wrong choices, God has a plan and continues to take care of everyone.

'Two nations are in your womb... the older will serve the younger.' — Genesis 25:23