Esau is Angry – A Bible Study on Anger and Consequences
In Genesis 27:41-46, we see a powerful example of how anger can take over and lead to dangerous consequences. Esau is angry—furious, in fact—because his younger brother, Jacob, has stolen his blessing. His rage grows so intense that he even considers murder.
Anger can cloud our judgment and push us toward actions we might later regret. In this Bible study, we’ll explore what happens when emotions take control, how Esau responds to his loss, and what we can learn from his story.
What about us? When we face betrayal or injustice, how do we react? Let’s dive in and see how this lesson applies to our lives today.
Continuing Story of Jacob and Esau – Esau is Angry
So Esau bore a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him; and Esau said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”
Now when the words of her elder son Esau were reported to Rebekah, she sent and called her younger son Jacob, and said to him, “Behold your brother Esau is consoling himself concerning you by planning to kill you.
Now therefore, my son, obey my voice, and arise, flee to Haran, to my brother Laban! – Genesis 27:41-43 NASB
Two Brothers, A Mother, A Birthright and Anger
In this study lesson, we continue with the drama of Jacob and Esau.
You know how it began back in Genesis 27:1-40 so I won’t rehash Jacob’s wrongdoing with that story. The point we will cover today is Esau’s anger response.
Anger and the Reaction
It was wrong to steal Esau’s birthright and blessing from Jacob, since it belonged to the first born. In ancient times, birthrights were a symbol of leadership and authority within the family as well as a matter of inheritance. As the firstborn son, Esau was expected to uphold the family’s legacy, so losing the birthright was devastating to him personally and to his family.
Angry over losing what was his, Esau was ready to kill his brother over the conflict.
Our Lesson?
You’ve probably been wronged before as I have. And sometimes, I have reacted out of anger. It didn’t help! But, anger-driven actions damage relationships and conflicts escalate. Acting in the heat of the moment can cause long-term harm if we say or do things we can’t take back. It’s important to learn from Esau’s story and find healthier ways to process and respond to our emotions.
Responding Instead of Reacting
Responding to a situation normally has more positive results than reacting.
The old “count to 10” standard still applies. The next time you (we) are confronted with a reason to become angry, let’s first take a breath and see if the situation calls for full-blown anger. In many cases you’ll find that it is not worth losing sleep over.
Prayer Can Help
Once we get over our first natural tendency to lash out – and recognize it, let’s pray for the guidance God can give, Ask Him if there are opportunities to consider instead of revenge.
If handled correctly, many problems can be turned into opportunities. That is, if we let God steer our decision making. He has the solution and is willing to help us thorough whatever we are facing.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like more information about the gift of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to go now and read John 3:16.