As domestication of plants and animals spread in the ancient Near East, hunter-gatherer societies and agricultural societies lived close together.
It seems likely that many of these societies, including the ones from which our ancestors came, wrestled with the question of which lifestyle was preferable.
We might consider that this search for understanding appears in Genesis as the competition between pairs of siblings who represent agriculturalists and hunters, including Jacob and Esau in Parshat Toldot.
In these stories, the ancestors we identify as our own are clearly defined as agriculturalists. Do these stories show a “divine choice" or preference for an agricultural way of life?
To approach this question, let's look at how Jacob and Esau's destinies were defined by יהוה, how they emerged as they matured, and how they were reinforced in Isaac's blessing.
(21) Isaac pleaded with יהוה on behalf of his wife, because she was barren; and יהוה responded to his plea, and his wife Rebekah conceived. (22) But the children struggled in her womb, and she said, “If so, why do I exist?” She went to inquire of יהוה, (23) and יהוה answered her,
“Two nations are in your womb,
Two separate peoples shall issue from your body;
One people shall be mightier than the other,
And the older shall serve the younger.”
The relationship between Jacob and Esau is framed as a struggle from the beginning. יהוה makes it clear to Rebekah how that struggle will play out.
1. How does יהוה define the children' destinies?
2. How does this knowledge influence Rebekah's role in shaping their destinies?
Jacob and Esau's identities become clear as they mature
Some commentators viewed the 'skill' or 'cunning' necessary for success as a hunter negatively. On the other hand, they linked agriculture with integrity.
(2) יודע ציד A CUNNING HUNTER literally, understanding hunting — understanding how to entrap and deceive his father with his mouth. He would ask him, “Father how should salt and straw be tithed”? (Genesis Rabbah 63:10) (although he knew full well that these are not subject to the law of tithe). Consequently his father believed him to be very punctilious in observing the divine ordinances.
1. What do you think about these qualities as associated with hunters and agriculturalists?
2. What might have motivated these commentators to make these associations?
Esau gives up his birthright, seemingly without struggle
1. What disadvantages of the hunting lifestyle does this passage convey?
2. How does this story fit with the qualities the commentators associated with hunting and agriculture, deception and integrity?
The destinies foretold by יהוה before Jacob and Esau's births are reinforced in Isaac blessings.
Isaac blesses Jacob
Of the dew of heaven and the fat of the earth,
Abundance of new grain and wine.
(29) Let peoples serve you,
And nations bow to you;
Be master over your brothers,
And let your mother’s sons bow to you.
Cursed be they who curse you,
Blessed they who bless you.”
Isaac blesses Esau
“See, your abode shall enjoy the fat of the earth
And the dew of heaven above.
(40) Yet by your sword you shall live,
And you shall serve your brother;
But when you grow restive,
You shall break his yoke from your neck.”
1. Both sons are blessed with the dew of heaven and the fat of the earth, but in different orders. How might this difference connect with their agricultural or hunting lifestyles?
2. From our modern perspective, how might we say Jacob and Esau's destinies have played out until now in the history between agricultural and hunter-gatherer peoples around the world?
References:
The Dawn Of Everything by David Graeber and David Wengrow
Ishmael; The Story Of B; and My Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond
Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari