Genesis 27:41Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The holy Scripture reveals the intense wrath of Esau towards his brother Jacob, stating: “And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him.” This resentment was not fleeting, as the Scripture illustrates the depth of his malice—continuing hostility is depicted, indicating a persistent state of enmity that allowed Esau's innermost thoughts to surface. The text tells us that Esau reflected internally, “The days of mourning for my father are approaching, and I will kill my brother Jacob.” Truly, those filled with rage display a madness similar to that of the insane. Observe how the adversary, once having taken hold, drives individuals to irrational actions, leading them away from clear perception and rational thought.

It is indeed true that those who wish to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will face persecution (2 Tim. 3:12). The wicked act like ferocious beasts, attacking the righteous because they perceive the honor bestowed upon them as an indictment of their immoral existence. The stark contrast between righteousness and wickedness causes the latter to feel exposed in their depravity. This results in the unleashing of envy and the burning anger of the defeated, sparking rage and leading to ungodly actions against those striving to live uprightly.

The Scriptures here precisely anticipated the events to unfold by referencing Esau, as the Word revealed Himself as a father to His chosen people, drawing close to endure suffering in the flesh in the final days. As Moses admonished the people, “Do you thus repay the Lord? Is He not your Father?” (Deuteronomy 32:6). This division in Scripture allows us to grasp its meaning. Esau's lament, “When the days of weeping for my father are at hand,” refers to the Passover days when the Word proclaimed His kingdom to them. The statement, “That I might slay Jacob my brother,” signifies the Man born of Jacob who was crucified by Esau, revealing the profound nature of His sacrifice.

Days of grieving for my father signify closure. To protect his father's advanced years, Esau delays his plan for fratricide. There is no mention of his mother; he overlooks her, viewing her as the source of his disgrace.

Esau, harboring resentment towards Jacob, vowed to take his life upon their father's passing. Following his parents' counsel, Jacob fled to Mesopotamia to avoid his brother's wrath and remained away from his homeland for two decades. During his time in Mesopotamia, he married Leah and Rachel. This separation from his native land and the hardships imposed by his father-in-law were consequences of his earlier deceit in securing his father's blessing rather than waiting patiently and aligning with God's will. The repercussions of his dishonesty were illustrated when, after laboring for seven years to wed Rachel, he found himself wed to her older sister instead.