John Gill's Exposition on Genesis 25:34

A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.

Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.

Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles, etc.] This shows what the pottage was made of, of which (see <012530>Genesis 25:30); and that Jacob gave to Esau more than he asked and bargained for, bread as well as pottage; but neither of them until the bargain was made and swore to, and be had got the birthright secured unto him; as cunning as Esau, and as simple and plain as Jacob were, the latter outwitted the former, and was too crafty for him: and he did eat, and drink, and rose up, and went his way; following his former course of life, without any remorse of conscience, reflection of mind, or repentance for what he had done; for though he afterwards carefully sought the blessing with tears he had parted with, yet not until his father was upon his deathbed, (<581217>Hebrews 12:17 <012734>Genesis 27:34); thus Esau despised [his] birthright; by setting it at so mean a price, and by not repenting of it when he had so done; having no regard especially to spiritual blessings, to the Messiah, and to the heavenly inheritance, eternal glory and happiness by Christ: the Jerusalem Targum adds, “and he despised his part in the world to come, and denied the resurrection of the dead;” and the Targum of Jonathan on (<012529>Genesis 25:29) says, that “on that day he committed five transgressions; he performed strange worship (or committed idolatry), he shed innocent blood, he lay with a virgin betrothed, he denied the life of the world to come (or a future state), and despised the birthright;” which confirms the character the apostle gives of him, that he was a fornicator and a profane person, (<581216>Hebrews 12:16).

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