Esau was known for his way of life. He was fearless and respected nothing. He liked to go into the woods to hunt animals (Genesis 25.27). His temperament didn't make him fit to be the person through whom the Savior would come, and that's why he was overlooked. As Jacob's twin, Esau was born first because he was strong and made his brother give him the birthright. Later, he lost it for almost nothing (Genesis 25.29-34).

           Esau's fame spread far and wide, and he was soon joined by people from the same kind. After all, the wicked will always be surrounded by friends with the same characteristics, while the righteous will live with righteous people. The way a man lives shows what is in his heart. The Scriptures reveal that Esau was unholy in the face of hunger and the lentils prepared by Jacob (Hebrews 12.16). Only God knows why the firstborn did not harm his brother. Indeed, the Creator protects the righteous!

           The heavenly Father didn't make anyone to dominate another by using fear, trying to subdue them. Esau left for his descendants the reputation of being terrible in his actions, but, according to the verse in our study, the Lord would strike Esau down if he continued to overpower others. The divine plan for everyone was explained by Christ when He declared that we should want for our neighbor what we want for ourselves (Matthew 7.12; Luke 10.27).

         Another characteristic of the Edomites was arrogance, and this deceived them. If someone doesn't respect his neighbor whom he sees, he won't be able to respect the Lord whom he doesn't see. This kind of behavior is rejected by God, because no one is better than anyone else. Anyone who wants to be complete in keeping the commandments must love the Most High with all their heart and their neighbor as themselves (Mark 12.30,31).

           Many people resemble the Edomites, who, at the time, were divided into two main groups with regards to housing. At the time, some preferred to live in caves in the rocks, where they thought they would be safe, but in these places there were all kinds of animals, especially wild ones; others preferred to live on the heights of the hills. Now, if man is well with the Almighty, He will keep him safe (Psalm 91). God loves us!

           Today, some people call themselves servants of the Most High, but they walk around with armed guards in front of them. Why is that? Don't they know the security that King David had? He spoke about his bodyguard: The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them (Psalm 34.7). This is the best way to be protected anywhere in the world, and this Security will never shoot the bandit, but will turn him to God!

           The apostle Paul said that our war is not against flesh and blood, but against the powerd of hell (Ephesians 6:12). Therefore, be in communion with God (Psalm 127.1). Persevering in the Covenant made by Jesus with the Father gives us security, power and glory.

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares