Esau was the oldest of the twin brothers born to Isaac and Rebecca (Gen. 25:24-25). He grew up to be a man of the fields, referred to as "a skillful hunter." (25:27). His brother Jacob, however, was "a quiet man, staying among the tents." The hunter became the hunted, though, as Jacob maneuvered both the birthright and the blessing away from Esau (cf. Gen. 25:29-34; Gen. 27). Esau contemplated killing his brother, causing Jacob to flee to Paddan Aram. Despite his brother's past trickery, Esau greeted Jacob graciously when he returned (Gen. 32:7-33:15).
