A Bowl of Stew for a Birthright

28 A Bowl of Stew for a Birthright Isaac, one of the great leaders of the Hebrews, was blessed with twin boys. The first son, Esau, was born only a few seconds before his twin brother, Jacob. But in the law and custom of the land, the oldest male child was given a " birthright" . This meant that when his father died, he would receive more than all the other sons from his father's worldly goods. The two boys were as different as night and day. Esau was gruff and unhappy. He made his living as a hunter. Jacob, on the other hand, was happy and wise. He was a farmer, and his land was prosperous. One day, Esau grew hungry. He had no food, so he went hunting for something to eat. He worked and worked, walking many hours over rough land, only to return that evening empty-handed. He caught no animals to eat that day. His stomach growled with hunger.

He noticed his brother Jacob in front of his house cooking a wonderful meat stew. The good smells were unbearable for Esau, as his hunger was great. He stopped and asked his brother for a bowl of this good stew. Jacob said that he had already promised to give the leftovers from his pot to a good neighbour who was also suffering from hunger. “ But, you may have it, my brother, only if you will give away your birthright, " said Jacob. " If you give me your birthright, I shall give you a big bowl of this stew. " Esau could not resist, and he quickly agreed. " You may have my birthright, " he said. “ I don't care about it. A full belly of that good stew is what I crave. " Jacob dished out the bowl of stew and his brother Esau ate it ravenously. And so, for a bowl of food, Esau traded away his most valuable possession in the world-his birthright.