Joshua Chapter 24 · Verse 4
And I gave unto Isaac Jacob and Esau: and I gave unto Esau mount Seir, to possess it; but Jacob and his children went down into Egypt.
Original Language Analysis
וָֽאֶתֵּ֨ן
And I gave
H5414
וָֽאֶתֵּ֨ן
And I gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 17
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וָֽאֶתֵּ֨ן
And I gave
H5414
וָֽאֶתֵּ֨ן
And I gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
7 of 17
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַ֤ר
mount
H2022
הַ֤ר
mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
10 of 17
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
שֵׂעִיר֙
Seir
H8165
שֵׂעִיר֙
Seir
Strong's:
H8165
Word #:
11 of 17
seir, a mountain of idumaea and its indigenous occupants, also one in palestine
לָרֶ֣שֶׁת
to possess
H3423
לָרֶ֣שֶׁת
to possess
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
12 of 17
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
אוֹת֔וֹ
H853
אוֹת֔וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וּבָנָ֖יו
and his children
H1121
וּבָנָ֖יו
and his children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
15 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
Historical Context
The division between Jacob and Esau occurred around 1915 BC. Esau settled in Mount Seir (the region of Edom, southeast of the Dead Sea) after selling his birthright and losing the blessing (Genesis 25:29-34, 27:1-40, 36:6-8). Jacob's descendants went to Egypt around 1876 BC during the famine, remaining 430 years (Exodus 12:40-41). Though Esau received immediate possession, Jacob's line—despite centuries of slavery—inherited covenant promises. This reversal pattern (younger over older, bondage before freedom) characterizes God's redemptive method.
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's choice of Jacob over Esau teach about election based on grace rather than human merit or effort?
- Why did God give Esau immediate possession while Jacob's descendants endured centuries of slavery before inheriting?
- How does this passage (cited in Romans 9:10-13) establish the doctrine of unconditional election?
Analysis & Commentary
I gave unto Isaac Jacob and Esau (וָאֶתֵּן לְיִצְחָק אֶת־יַעֲקֹב וְאֶת־עֵשָׂו)—God's sovereign election becomes explicit. Though both were Isaac's sons, only Jacob inherited covenant promises. The verb natan (נָתַן, to give) appears repeatedly, emphasizing divine gift, not human achievement. God gave Isaac to Abraham, gave Jacob and Esau to Isaac, and selectively chose Jacob for covenant lineage.
I gave unto Esau mount Seir...but Jacob and his children went down into Egypt—this contrast highlights sovereign discrimination. Esau received immediate territorial possession (Mount Seir, Edom), while Jacob's descendants entered 400 years of Egyptian bondage before inheriting Canaan. Yet Jacob, not Esau, received covenant blessing. This paradox demonstrates that God's electing purposes transcend immediate circumstances. Romans 9:10-13 cites this passage to establish unconditional election: 'Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated'—sovereign choice, not foreseen merit, determines salvation.