Why in the Bible does it say God hated Esau?

Answer 1

God does not hate anyone. Please do not interpret the verse literally.

How should we interpret the Bible?
It depends on the intent of the particular biblical author. If he intended what he wrote to be taken literally, then we should take it literally. If he meant for it to be taken symbolically, then that's how we should take it. Although this principle is easy to state, it isn't always easy to apply.

Some things in the Bible, such as the parables of Jesus, are clearly symbolic, but what about other things, such as Christ's words about the Eucharist? Are they to be taken literally or symbolically? Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, many Lutherans, and many Anglicans take them literally. Evangelicals, Fundamentalists, and other Protestants do not.

Yet all Christians claim Christ's words, as well as the tenor of the New Testament, support their belief, and all claim to know what Christ intended when he spoke them. How do we decide who's right?

Based on literary and historical analysis, scholars often can determine how the biblical writer wanted his words to be understood. This is why in studying Scripture we should familiarize ourselves with its literary and historical background.

Still, scholarship alone can't solve all of our interpretative problems. There are scholars, for instance, who affirm the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist and those who deny it, just as there are those who think the New Testament teaches distinctively Catholic beliefs and those who don't.

Because of the possibility (and frequency) of such scholarly impasses, the Catholic Church insists that Christ established the Magisterium--the teaching authority of the Church--to propound biblical truth infallibly. The authentic explanation of the biblical message has been left neither to our own meager interpretive abilities, nor to the greater, yet still finite, exegetical skills of scholars, but has been safeguarded by God himself.

Answer 2

Because God is outside of time, he sees the future. He knew before Esau was born that Esau would not be a God fearing man. Esau was rebellious from the very start. He despised his God given birthright and sold it for a bowl of beans. Esau and most of his descendents have always been enemies of God . Even to this day. Therefore God said .. Esau have I hated but Jacob (Israel) have I loved.

Answer 3

Under certain conditions and at certain times it is proper to hate. “There is . . . a time to love and a time to hate.” (Ec 3:1, 8) Even of God it is said that he hated Esau. But this cannot be attributed to any arbitrariness on God’s part. Esau proved himself unworthy of Jehovah’s love by despising his birthright and selling it and hence also the divine promises and blessings attached thereto. Moreover, he purposed to kill his brother Jacob. God also hates lofty eyes, a false tongue, hands that are shedding innocent blood, a heart fabricating hurtful schemes, feet that are in a hurry to run to badness, a false witness, anyone sending forth contentions among brothers, in fact, everyone and everything standing in complete opposition to God and his righteous laws.

a2z.. You obviously peddling your own answer here which has nothing to do with Mohammad and the Comforter. That is downright disrespectful. Stay on Topic.

Answer 4

I believe God hated his carelessness about the important things in life. Esau chose a bowl of lentils over his birth right. Esau offered the wrong kind of sacrifice, thinking he could do it his way. God likes obedience.

Answer 5

Show Appreciation for Sacred Things

7 As we read at Malachi 1:2, 3, after Jehovah says, “I loved Jacob,” he states, “Esau I have hated.” Why the difference? Jacob magnified Jehovah, but his twin brother, Esau, did not. Esau was also called Edom. At Malachi 1:4, the land of Edom is called the territory of wickedness, and its inhabitants are denounced. The name Edom (meaning “Red”) was given to Esau after he sold his precious birthright to Jacob for some red stew. “Esau despised the birthright,” says Genesis 25:34. The apostle Paul urged fellow believers to be careful that “there may be no fornicator nor anyone not appreciating sacred things, like Esau, who in exchange for one meal gave away his rights as firstborn.”—Hebrews 12:14-16.

8 Why did Paul link Esau’s actions to fornication? Because having the mentality of Esau can lead a person to fail to appreciate sacred things. In turn, this can result in serious sins, such as fornication. Hence, each of us might ask: ‘Am I sometimes tempted to barter my Christian inheritance—everlasting life—for something as transient as a bowl of lentil stew? Perhaps without realizing it, do I despise sacred things?’ Esau had an impatient desire to satisfy a physical craving. He said to Jacob: “Quick, please, give me a swallow of the red.” (Genesis 25:30) Sadly, some of God’s servants have, in effect, said: “Quick! Why wait for honorable marriage?” A desire for sexual satisfaction at any price has become their bowl of lentil stew.

9 May we never despise sacred things by disdaining chastity, integrity, and our spiritual inheritance. Instead of being like Esau, let us be like faithful Jacob and maintain reverential fear of God by showing deep appreciation for sacred things. How can we do this? By being careful to meet Jehovah’s requirements. This logically leads us to a third point that is brought out in Malachi chapter 1. What is that?

Answer 6

because Esau gave up what would have been a long term entitlement for a physical then and there desire/need for food.

Esau gave up his birthright like it was nothing, basically showing a lack of faith that GOD would provide.

Answer 7

I thought that God saw Esau sittin' on the see-saw.

Answer 8

John 4:15-16
“If you love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father and He shall give you another Comforter that he may abide for you forever.”

Muslim theologians have said that “another Comforter” is Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah; and him to “abide forever” means the perpetuity of his laws and way of life and the Book (Qur’an), which was revealed, to him.

Answer 9

god hates sin not sinners.

Answer 10

I do not believe you. Please quote the chapter and verse where this was said.