Jacob, Esau, and the Constructive Possibilities of the Other

The points of contact between Genesis 27 and 32–33 have inspired significant commentary through the years, much of which has revolved around the question of whether the latter should be understood as the fulfillment of Isaac's pronouncements over Jacob and Esau in the former. This essay highlights the role of the displaced firstborn Esau in these narratives, suggesting that a reading which is attentive to the unchosen brother can offer fresh perspective for thinking about some of the complexities surrounding blessing and fulfillment in the Jacob Cycle