On average, men want to stand out and be number one. But when it comes to men, following directions, or getting advice is not their predictable first choice. Consequently, there are many discouraged men. Why? Because men typically measure themselves against other men, rather than looking to better themselves through counsel.
So, how can testosterone driven men become leaders and not discouraged followers? In this week’s Torah study, we see two men who acquired greatness. But, in each picture, there are different outcomes. What can we learn from Jacob and Esau today?
If you were to develop character sketches for these two men, what might it look like? I’ve taken the liberty to write down a few obvious traits. Within these markers, which person do you think would be more acceptable to the world’s historical culture?
Esau means doer, maker, worker. (Common interpretations for Esau has been “hairy,” but the Hebrew word for hair in the Bible is שער (s’r) — this noun also yields the name Seir — a Hebrew audience would probably have a much stronger association to the very common Hebrew verb עשה (‘asa), meaning to do or accomplish. His traits can include:
- Beloved by his father Issac for his hunting expertise and field skills.
- A strong man. Greatly feared, even by his mother and brother Jacob.
- Achieved his own wealth to the point of denying wealth from Jacob when they met.
- Created his own kingdom in the hills of Seir and became a great nation thru power.
When it comes to Esau, we see a man who does not seek a spiritual change. Due to his arrogance and outward strength, he trusts himself. It’s interesting to note that one of Esau’s name changes was that of Edom or red. This was due to the selling of his birthright. Most likely he never thought anyone could take his birthright and or inheritance? Esau would never dream of being second best.
(Side note: Look up John 8:33. What group of people like Esau, felt that they had no need to be set free?)
Did you know that Esau’s offspring were split into various groups, each one led by a chieftain? One of these groups was named Magdiel, which is identified as Rome. Indeed, there is a longstanding tradition that the Romans were descendants of Esau, and as such, Jewish literature refers to the Roman Empire as the Kingdom of Edom. But yet, we read from Obediah:
The arrogance of your heart has deceived you, The one who lives in the clefts of the rock, On the height of his dwelling place, Who says in his heart, ‘Who will bring me down to earth?’ v. 3
v. 15“For the day of the Lord is near for all the nations. Just as you have done, it will be done to you. Your dealings will return on your own head. . . v18 the house of Esau will be like stubble.
Throughout Torah, we see Esau’s kingdom constantly harassing, attacking, or controlling Israel. And, when not causing trouble, the tribes of Esau never come to Israel’s aid. They watch from a distance and cause Israel to go around their lands. The bitterness of seeing someone else’s blessings can sometimes sway the heart to become hard. Jealousy does not assist and can even be glad to see the demise of others.
How has your life been similar to Esau’s?
Jacob means he who sets his heel down, he who follows, he who hides, one who manipulates, and finally, may God protect. Who is Jacob?
- A man of the tent and of study, but struggled with telling the truth.
- Wanted to be accepted and respected by others as shown in the story of Laban and his settlement in Shechem.
- Unable to control his family; his wives, his sons, Dinah and personal idols.
- Struggled with fear and application of his faith when facing Esau
In reviewing these two sketches, one might say the obvious leader is Esau. So how does Jacob become the stronger leader according to Scripture? In my opinion, he becomes a leader because he strives with God in order to find purpose and calling. He seeks out spiritual direction.
In Genesis 32:28, Jacob’s name is changed to Israel. The angel with whom he wrestles tells Jacob the meaning of the name change, “He who struggles (strives) with God and prevails.”
Prevail means to succeed or overcome. What does Jacob seek to overcome? I believe he wrestles to defeat his human flaws. Jacob wants to be blessed. He wants to be a new man. But even after this preliminary name change, Jacob still proceeds to Shechem. He still seeks compromise rather than righteousness for his daughter. And, he still has idols in his camp that need to be buried (Gen. 35:4).
Was Jacob on a journey? Are we on a journey? The answer would be yes. Hence, the reason I believe Yahweh meets with Jacob once again to validate his new name to Israel. (Gen. 35:9-12) It’s here that the name becomes slightly different.
Here are few examples by different scholars using the etymology of the word from H3478 and H8280 (sheen—to consume, resh—the head, hey—behold/reveal) and H410 (aleph—strength, leader/Lamed—control, authority):
“He turns the head of God.” Ancient Hebrew Research Center
“He retains God for God is Upright.” Abarim Publications
“He will rule as God.” Strong’s Concordance
“He struggles with God.” Wikipedia & Chabad.org
Jacob’s change of direction and continual struggle to be with God will eventually allow his generational offspring to overcome the strength of Esau and is mentioned in the book of Obediah:
But on Mount Zion there will be those who escape, And it will be holy. And the house of Jacob will possess their property. 18 Then the house of Jacob will be a fire, And the house of Joseph a flame; (Obediah 1:17-18)
How do you see yourself in the picture of Jacob?
Finally, let’s consider the differences between Jacob and Esau with the numbers and numerical values given in Genesis 33 in order to develop an even clearer picture:
Esau brings a troop of 400 men. Why? As you know, the number 4 in Hebrew represents the dalet or door. The numerical value of 400 is represented by the Tav or covenant. In this picture, we see Esau presenting a door for Jacob to enter into a new covenant. This covenant is expressed in a kiss, with offers to lead Jacob’s family and to leave some of his men as protectors. Do you see where this is going? Thank goodness Jacob refuses this “kind” offering.
Jacob’s response to Esau is to split up his family into 3 groups. The number three is Gimmel, which means to lift up as a benefit and to be proud of a full supply. Then Jacob goes ahead to bow down before Esau seven times, the Zayin, meaning a weapon to cut off.
Jacob states that Esau is like the face of God, meaning the face of judgment.
In short, Jacob humbles himself by presenting the gifts given to him by God in full, shows a willingness to cut off the ongoing feud, and is finally willing to allow God to be the judge.
As a man, it is good to consider the two different roads of Jacob and Esau. One road relies on raw strength from my own “boot straps.” The second road requires me to struggle, but in doing so, I become empowered through the strength of Yahweh.
May you be blessed this Sabbath,
Rollyn