Genesis 36

In Genesis, genealogies usually mark major turning points, and this chapter is no exception, as the focus shifts from Jacob to his son, Joseph. Neither appears in chapter 36, though, which is instead devoted to Esau and his family.

It's worth taking a look at Esau, because he fell into traps that are still around today.

First of all, he thought he could make up for past mistakes with present obedience. When he learned that his parents hated hisCanaanite wives and had sent his brother to take a wife from his own people, he immediately went and married a cousin, one of Ishmael's daughters. Second, he was impulsive, only thinking of the moment rather than the future. Thirdly, he was a bully, taking 400 men with him to meet his brother.

Esau didn't trust God, though God still blessed him. He wasn't chosen to be the father of the Israelites, though chiefs and kings were still among his descendants. Esau was a rebel, though God still loved him.

In other words, he was a like us.