Genesis 25:27

27 And when they were grown up, Esau became a skilful hunter, and a husbandman: but Jacob, a plain man, dwelt in tents.

Genesis 25:27 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 25:27

And the boys grew
In stature, became strong and fit for business, and betook themselves to different employments: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field:
whose business lay in tilling and sowing it, which his father Isaac followed sometimes; or rather he chose to range about the field and hunt after beasts and birds, in which he was very expert, and contrived traps and snares to catch them in; and this course of life was most agreeable to his temper and disposition, being active, fierce, and cruel; according to the Targum of Jonathan, he was also a hunter and slayer of men, Nimrod and Henoch his son: and Jacob was a plain man;
an honest plain hearted man, whose heart and tongue went together; a quiet man, that gave no disturbance to others; a godly man, sincere, upright, and perfect, that had the truth of grace and holiness in him, as well as the perfect righteousness of his Redeemer on him: dwelling in tents;
keeping at home and attending the business of the family, as we afterwards find him boiling pottage, ( Genesis 25:29 ) ; or rather this denotes his pastoral life, being a shepherd, he dwelt in tents, which could be removed from place to place for the convenience of pasturage: Jarchi's note is,

``in the tent of Shem and in the tent of Eber;''

agreeably to the Targum of Jonathan,

``a minister in the school of Shem, seeking doctrine from the Lord;''

a student there, where he resided awhile, in order to be instructed in the doctrines of truth and righteousness.

Genesis 25:27 In-Context

25 He that came forth first was red, and hairy like a skin: and his name was called Esau. Immediately the other coming forth, held his brother’s foot in his hand: and therefore he was called Jacob.

26 Isaac was threescore years old when the children were born unto him.

27 And when they were grown up, Esau became a skilful hunter, and a husbandman: but Jacob, a plain man, dwelt in tents.

28 Isaac loved Esau, because he ate of his hunting: and Rebecca loved Jacob.

29 And Jacob boiled pottage: to whom Esau, coming faint out of the field,