“And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite.”
This verse is found in the book of Genesis, which is the first book of the Old Testament. It is part of the account of the life of Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, and the father of Jacob and Esau.
In this particular verse, we are given information about Esau, one of Isaac’s twin sons. It states that when Esau was forty years old, he took two wives: Judith, the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath, the daughter of Elon the Hittite.
This verse raises several important points to consider:
- Marriage Practices: The verse provides insight into the marriage practices of the time. Marrying from within the family or tribe was common in ancient societies, including among the Israelites. However, in this instance, Esau chose to marry Hittite women, who were not part of his own lineage. This decision would later cause distress for his parents and would have significant consequences for his descendants.
- Esau’s Choice: Esau’s decision to marry Hittite women is notable because it deviates from the expected pattern of marrying within the family. The Hittites were a people who lived in the region of Canaan during that period. Some commentators suggest that Esau’s choice reflects a disregard for his birthright and the spiritual heritage of his family.
- Consequences: The passage does not immediately reveal the consequences of Esau’s choice of wives. However, subsequent events in the biblical narrative illustrate that this decision led to tension and conflict within the family. Esau’s marriages to Hittite women caused great distress to his parents, Isaac and Rebekah, who were concerned about the spiritual implications of such unions. Later, when Jacob obtained the blessing that was meant for Esau, Esau’s anger toward his brother escalated, and a longstanding family feud ensued.
This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of considering the consequences of our choices, especially in matters that have long-term implications for ourselves and those around us. It also highlights the significance of honoring family and spiritual heritage.
Overall, Genesis 26:34 provides a glimpse into the life of Esau and sets the stage for future events in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the consequences of his decision to marry Hittite women and the subsequent challenges faced by the family.
