Genesis 25:27

SALE OF ESAU’S BIRTHRIGHT, Genesis 25:27-34.

27. The boys grew And their diverse dispositions and tendencies early developed themselves .

Esau was a cunning hunter A man knowing the chase, or skilled in hunting . We are to think of him as the hairy man, rough, impulsive, desperate; loving the dangers and excitements of the chase .

Jacob was a plain man אישׁ תם , a complete man . The word תם is generally used of moral uprightness and integrity . The kindred word תמים is used in Genesis 17:1, where Jehovah says to Abraham, “walk before me and be thou perfect . ” Here the word seems to mean simplicity, mildness, and inoffensiveness of disposition, in contrast with the wild and daring character of Esau . Jacob was a complete man in the simplicity and regularity of his temper and domestic habits .