Esau was Abraham’s grandson, the older twin born to Isaac and Rebekah (the younger was Jacob). Rebekah had a difficult pregnancy, and God told her it was because “two nations are in your womb; . . . one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23).

Esau’s name means “hairy,” which described him at birth (Genesis 25:25). Esau’s twin was born holding Esau’s heel and was named Jacob, which means “supplanter”—someone who tricks another out of something for personal gain. The twins’ birth story served as a prophecy about their future.