THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
The first individual was driven by unrestrained physical desires, favoring the highest of his opportunities over the least, and trading what was essential for the trivial and lowly. In contrast, this person was an unquenchable seeker of the best, striving for that which could bring him glory in all respects. He acquired the birthright, while Esau rejected it and thoughtlessly valued his own achievements more than the sanctity of his lineage. Therefore, he was named Edom, which means 'earthly,' signifying a clear condemnation of a genuinely worldly and lowly spirit for ignoring the glory that was rightfully his. He failed not to elevate the dignity of his birthright, opting instead for fleeting pleasure that ultimately led to his downfall.
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This is why the Apostle Paul rightly identified him as a fornicator and a profane man who chose to live in such disgrace, using Esau as an example of those who have sunk to such disgraceful behavior. He sternly admonishes against unbridled desires, which are evidently carnal and earthly, stating, "Lest there be any fornicator or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright" (Hebrews 12:16).
Thus, the firstborn Israel was in divine glory but did not fully recognize the honor associated with his birthright. He effectively relinquished his primogeniture to a new nation, comprised of Gentiles, as he leaned more towards worldly pursuits. This is reflected in the parables from the Gospel, such as the one where "the king made a wedding feast for his son" (Matthew 22:2). The messengers who called to the invited guests declared the words of God: "Behold, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and what are fatted; all things are ready; come to the wedding feast." Yet, those invited made light of it (Matthew 22:4-5). Each offered an excuse for their refusal, with one saying, "I have married a wife, therefore I cannot come," and another stating, "I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it" (Luke 14:20, 18). This illustrates how they mimicked Esau, choosing earthly glories over the divine. They nearly invited others to claim their birthright. As a result, those who believed from among the Gentiles were welcomed in their place, receiving the glory and blessings meant for Israel due to their readiness to obey and their eagerness to fulfill God's will.
This is echoed in the words of the divine David, who said, "Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the humble; thou wilt prepare their heart; thou wilt cause thine ear to hear" (Psalms 9:38), for it is always the faithful who are more prepared to obey, despite the Israelites having received prior instruction in the law. Although the Gentiles may have lacked Divine teachings, they were more open to faith, eagerly responding to Christ’s commandments. As the Psalmist records, “The people whom I have not known shall serve me; as soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me” (Psalms 17:44-45). In contrast, regarding Israel, who had detached themselves and were unwilling to act righteously, having become spiritually impaired, it is said, "The strangers shall submit themselves unto me; as soon as they hear, they shall be obedient to me” (Psalms 17:45-46). The correct paths leading to Christ, which prevent them from straying, are termed guidance through the law and the prophecies of the holy seers. However, when they arrived at the culmination of the law and the prophets—namely Christ—they became spiritually lame not from true reasoning but from folly, treating Him with insolence and ultimately daring to take the life of the Author of life.