Birthright Esau
esau , jacob presented isaac (painting circa 1779–1801 benjamin west) in genesis, esau returned twin brother jacob, famished fields. begs jacob give him red pottage (a play on nickname, hebrew: אדום`edom, meaning red .) this, of course, refers red hair. jacob offers esau bowl of lentil stew in exchange esau s birthright (hebrew: בְּכֹרָה bəḵōrāh, right recognized firstborn son authority on family), , esau agrees. jacob acquires esau s birthright. believed origin of english phrase mess of pottage . in genesis 27:1–40, jacob uses deception, motivated mother rebecca, lay claim blind father isaac s blessing inherently due firstborn, esau. in genesis 27:5–7, rebecca listening while isaac speaks son esau. when esau goes field hunt venison bring home, rebekah says son jacob, behold, heard thy father speak thy brother esau, saying: bring me venison , prepare savoury food, may eat, , bless thee before lord before death. rebecca instructs jacob in elaborate deception through jacob pr...