Katherine Moody

Religion 130.OW3
Richardson
25 February 2021
Start time: 7:11PM
Exam One Essay
In the old testament, the themes of family, geography, and names are monumental to the
narratives. In the genealogies alone, the descendants of Abraham are frequently considered the
main characters of these stories. Moreover, the narratives of Abraham’s grandsons, Jacob and
Esau, – twin boys of Issaac - are considered one of the most emotionally charged episodes of the
Old Testament. Throughout their story, the ideas of family, geography, and name changes are all
evident in the coming-of-age story of the brothers.

At birth, Jacob was named after his first action. Jacob was born holding the ankle of his older
brother, Esau. Esau, the oldest, was named after his appearance. Esau translates to “red and
hairy.” Throughout their lives, the brothers were constantly at arms against each other. Jacob
often worked as a tent-man, and Esau was a man of the land and geography. The children were
favorited by each parent; Esau by Issacc, and Jacob by Rachel.

One of the first memorable interactions between the brothers was the selling of Esau’s birthright.
Ironically, Esau agrees to “sell” Jacob his birthright. Unfortunately, Jacob takes this agreement to
heart. By law, the son(s) cannot decide on who gets the birthright. It is only up to the father and
cannot be determined by any other person. Once Issaac was ready to offer his blessing to Esau,
Rachel had other plans. Rachel told her favorite son, Jacob, to disguise himself as Esau so her
bind husband would give him his blessing. Her idea worked.

This betrayal was the climax of the twin’s story. At this point, Issaac had nothing to give his
favorite and oldest child. He had given all he had to Jacob, and only blessed his son with the
ability to be diligent and steadfast. Before he could confront his brother, Jacob was on his way to
his uncle’s, far from Luz. These changes greatly affect the family dynamic. Jacob was not only
cut off from the rest of the family but stole the most prestigious gift offered to someone's child.

Geography plays a large role towards the closing of the narrative. The Jabbok, the river
ultimately separating the two brothers, is where Jacob received his second blessing.
Unexpectedly, he was ambushed by stranger. After a night of fighting, the stranger strikes Jacob
on the hip. Jacob demands a blessing from who he assumes is an angel. The angle changes his
name to Israel, the beginning of Jacob’s new ways. He staggers away, gracefully, and makes ties
with his brother. The strike on the hip has greatly affected the Jewish culture. The culture still
avoids the meat of the hip joint of any animal.
End time: 8:02PM