Genesis 25:27-28

Abraham died when the twins were 15 (Genesis 25:7), so they grew up knowing their grandfather and undoubtedly hearing his stories of God’s promises to their family. Esau became a nomadic hunter, but Jacob remained in his tents.

". . . they became the personification of the two different ways of life which would have been typical for Palestine at this period of history: that of hunter and nomad (Esau) and that of shepherd and semi-nomad (Jacob) . . . Esau is described as a ’skilled hunter,’ ’a man of the outdoors;’ Jacob, on the other hand, is portrayed as ’a simple man,’ one ’remaining in his tents,’ that is, a man of stable life in contrast to the rootless life of the nomad." [Note: Donald B. Sharp, "In Defense of Rebecca," Biblical Theology Bulletin 10:4 (October 1980):165.]

"The two characters are utter opposites, as the two nations will eventually be." [Note: Kidner, p. 152.]

The Hebrew word tam, translated "plain," probably means civilized and domesticated, a homebody. [Note: Hamilton, The Book . . . Chapters 18-50, p. 181. Cf. Nichol, 1:369; and Carl D. Evans, "The Patriarch Jacob-An ’Innocent Man,’" Bible Review 2:1 (Spring 1985):32-37.] Translators have rendered it "perfect" and "blameless" elsewhere (Job 1:1; Job 1:8; Job 8:20; Psalms 37:37; Proverbs 29:10). It may imply a quiet, self-contained, detached person, complete in himself. [Note: Wenham, Genesis 16-50, p. 177.] The NET Bible translators translated it "even-tempered."

"Descriptions of Jacob’s early life in the Scriptures paint an interpersonal portrait of a highly narcissistic individual who grew up in a family of origin ripe for producing such pathology." [Note: Vance L. Shepperson, "Jacob’s Journey: From Narcissism Toward Wholeness," Journal of Psychology and Theology 12:3 (1984):180.]

Adam failed in eating, Noah in drinking, and Isaac in tasting. Isaac became a gourmand, one who loves certain types of food.

"A marriage made in heaven (see Genesis 24:1-67) can end in dysfunction when a spouse gives priority to taste in the mouth over a voice in the heart (see Genesis 26:35)." [Note: Waltke, Genesis, p. 363.]