Esau was the elder twin of Jacob. He was the son of Isaac and Rebecca, and a grandson of Abraham and Sarah. When he was born, his brother Jacob came out holding his heel. Esau was rugged and hairy. He became a hunter and enjoyed living outdoors. Esau was Isaac's favourite son.
This part of Esau's story is found in Genesis, chapter 25, verses 19 to 28.
Esau appears in our Babble.on, Ballyhoo! and Numbers game.
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Esau hunted for food while Jacob preferred to stay at home and cook. One day, when Esau returned from hunting, he was very hungry and asked his brother for something to eat. Jacob convinced Esau to swap his birthright for a bowl of stew. A birthright was a special blessing recognising someone as the firstborn child with authority over the family. Esau was so hungry he agreed to swap with his younger brother without really thinking about the consequences.
This part of Esau's story is found in Genesis, chapter 25, verses 29 to 34.
Bowls are also found in the stories of Solomon's ornamental furniture for the Temple and Blind Bartimaeus begging at the city gate.
Bowls appear in our Numbers game.
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When Isaac was old and blind, he sent Esau off to hunt for his favourite food. Jacob and Rebecca hatched a plan for Jacob to receive Isaac's blessing instead of Esau. Jacob dressed in his brother's clothes and wore goat skins on his arms and neck so he would smell and feel like Esau. Isaac was tricked. When Esau returned and discovered what had happened, he was furious. Jacob had to run away to his Uncle Laban's for safety.
This part of Esau's story is found in Genesis, chapter 27, verses 1 to 40.
Goats are also found in the stories of Jacob separating Laban's flock, Solomon's dedication of the Temple, King Asa's raid on the Cushites and the Son of Man separating the nations of the world.
Goats appear in our Animal Scramble game.
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Jacob later felt sorry for his actions and arranged a reunion with Esau so he could apologise. Esau was not angry any more and forgave his brother. Despite not receiving his father's blessing, Esau had become a rich farmer with cattle, goats and sheep. He had a large family with lots of children and grandchildren.
This part of Esau's story is found in Genesis, chapter 33, verses 1 to 16.
Sheep are also found in the stories of Abraham nearly sacrificing Isaac, the birth of Jesus and the parable of the lost sheep.
Sheep appear in our 2by2 and Animal Scramble games.
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