Genesis 28:8

And Esau seeing that the daughters of Canaan pleased not Isaac his father;

And Esau {H6215} seeing {H7200} that the daughters {H1323} of Canaan {H3667} pleased {H5869} not {H7451} Isaac {H3327} his father {H1};

'Esav also saw that the Kena'ani women did not please Yitz'chak his father.

And seeing that his father Isaac disapproved of the Canaanite women,

and Esau saw that the daughters of Canaan pleased not Isaac his father;

Commentary

Genesis 28:8 records a pivotal moment in Esau's understanding of his parents' desires regarding marriage. After his brother Jacob has departed, Esau observes his father Isaac's clear disapproval of his existing wives from Canaan, prompting a new, albeit flawed, course of action.

Context

This verse immediately follows Isaac's blessing and instruction to Jacob concerning marriage, specifically forbidding him to take a wife from the daughters of Canaan. Esau, who had previously married two Hittite women (Judith and Basemath, as recorded in Genesis 26:34), now realizes the depth of his parents' distress over these unions. Rebekah had also expressed her weariness of life because of Esau's Hittite wives. Esau's observation highlights the ongoing concern within the patriarchal family to maintain the purity of the covenant line, avoiding the idolatrous and corrupting influences of the surrounding Canaanite cultures.

Key Themes

  • Parental Displeasure: The verse directly states that Esau's Canaanite wives "pleased not Isaac his father." This indicates not merely a preference but a significant source of grief and disapproval, reflecting the spiritual and cultural incompatibility of these unions.
  • Covenant Purity: A core theme throughout Genesis is the preservation of the Abrahamic covenant through a chosen lineage. Marrying outside this lineage, particularly with Canaanites, posed a direct threat to the spiritual integrity of the family and the future of the covenant people. Isaac's and Rebekah's concern underscores the importance of spiritual alignment in marriage.
  • Esau's Awareness (but not necessarily repentance): Esau finally perceives his parents' strong disapproval. However, his subsequent action (marrying Mahalath, a daughter of Ishmael) suggests a pragmatic attempt to gain favor rather than a deep spiritual transformation or understanding of the covenant's significance. He seeks to correct one parental grievance by making another alliance, still outside the chosen line of Isaac.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "pleased not" in KJV translates a Hebrew expression that conveys strong displeasure or even the idea of being "evil in the eyes of." It's not just a mild dislike but a significant grievance, emphasizing the deep concern Isaac and Rebekah had about the spiritual implications of Esau's choices in marriage.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons about the importance of discerning and honoring godly counsel, especially concerning life-altering decisions like marriage. It underscores the biblical principle of not being unequally yoked with unbelievers, as spiritual compatibility is foundational for a harmonious and God-honoring family life. Esau's actions remind us that outward conformity without inward transformation often leads to further complications, highlighting the need for genuine spiritual understanding and commitment in our choices.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 24:3 (6 votes)

    And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:

  • Genesis 26:34 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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:

  • Genesis 26:35 (4 votes)

    Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah.

  • 1 Samuel 8:6 (3 votes)

    But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.

  • Genesis 28:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan.