Objection:
Genesis 25:22-26 proves that Esau represents the white race and, therefore, Jacob describes the black race.
Answer:
The idea that Esau and Jacob represent two distinct races of men, namely the white race and the black race, is one of the central pillars of the Black Hebrew Israelite (BHI) or simply Hebrew Israelite movement. Genesis 25:22-26 serves as a pivotal text that BHIs believe distinguishes between races by illustrating the birth of two nations from the same lineage. The scripture recounts the struggle between the twins in Rebekah’s womb, highlighting the birth of Esau and Jacob and their differing destinies.
“And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD. And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau’s heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.”
BHIs gather a couple of points from the above texts. 1) Jacob and Esau represent two nations. 2) Esau is given distinctive physical characteristics. BHIs believe these suggest that the twin brothers symbolize two racial groups. They identify Esau as the ancestor of the white race based on his physical description in Genesis 25:25, which states he is “red” (‘admônı̂y in Hebrew) and “hairy.” They interpret “red” to mean a pale, ruddy complexion, which they associate with white people.
When we examine each point, it will become clear that bias, rather than truth, holds their ideology together and how that belief is problematic for their overall belief system.
The term “nations” in Genesis 25:23 is translated from the Hebrew word gôy, or gôyim, which means either a nation or a people, encompassing both non-Hebrew individuals and the descendants of Abraham; the Greek equivalent is ethnos or ethne. The Bible’s understanding of a nation is rooted in genealogy and geography. The “Table of Nations” in Genesis 10 is the primary biblical framework for this concept. It traces the lineage of all humanity back to Noah’s three sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—and then divides their descendants into different nations based on their languages, clans, and lands.
The term “nation” in the Bible can refer to a political entity, but more often, it describes an ethnic group or a people united by shared cultural and ancestral ties. For example, Israel is referred to as a gôy (nation) that God chose to be a “holy nation” set apart from others.
There’s a significant difference between races and ethnic groups, though the terms are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation. Race and ethnicity are both social constructs used to categorize people, but they are based on different sets of criteria.
Race is primarily a social construct based on perceived physical differences like skin color, hair texture, and facial features. These categories have historically been used to create social hierarchies and systems of power. While people may share similar outward appearances, geneticists and anthropologists agree that race is not a valid biological or genetic category. In fact, there is more genetic variation within any racial group than there is between different racial groups.
Ethnicity, on the other hand, is defined by shared cultural heritage. It’s about a sense of common identity based on shared characteristics such as:
• Language
• History and origin
• Religion
• Traditions and customs
• Ancestry
Unlike race, which is often imposed by society, ethnicity is more often a matter of self-identification. For example, a person may be racially Black but identify as ethnically Jamaican, Haitian, or Nigerian. Similarly, a person may be racially White but identify as ethnically Irish or Italian. One’s race is generally seen as inherited and immutable, while ethnicity can be more fluid and chosen.
Jacob and Esau had the same ancestry, language, origin, and history (at least initially). However, their religion, traditions, and customs ultimately differed significantly in biblical history. Thus, they were identified as two distinct nations or ethnic groups.
Esau’s physical characteristics can be used to classify him as belonging to a particular racial group. The BHIs associate these features with classifying him and his descendants as white. However, this classification raises a significant issue: it implies that David, and consequently the Messiah, are also considered white. While we are not endorsing that claim, it is worth noting, albeit it ultimately holds little significance for the plan of salvation or the overall gospel. It does, however, make a significant impact on the BHI’s ideology.
Remember, according to BHI, Esau is considered the forefather of the white race due to the physical traits described in Genesis 25:25, where he is referred to as “red” and “hairy,” which they interpret as indicating characteristics of white people. In 1 Samuel 16, David is given a similar description:
“Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.” (1 Samuel 16:10-13)
Notice, in verse twelve, David is described as “ruddy,” which is the same Hebrew word used in Genesis 25:25, translated as “red.” This description is repeated in 1 Samuel 17:42, where David confronts Goliath of Gath. Therefore, to maintain consistency in their interpretation of the Hebrew language, Black Hebrew Israelites (BHIs) must conclude that David was also of the white race and thus part of the Edomite line. Of course, neither the Bible nor their bias will support that claim. Therefore, “ruddy” or “red” must have a different significance than the one they attribute to it to classify Esau and his children racially.
The Song of Solomon, a beautiful allegory depicting the Lord and his woman, describes the “beloved” (the Lord, the Messiah) as “white and ruddy” (Song of Solomon 5:10). The passage continues with various figurative expressions that create a vivid and poetic image, none of which are meant to be taken as a literal description of His appearance. The Nazarites of Zion “were more ruddy in body than rubies” (Lamentations 4:7); an obvious figure of their once beautiful character. While these words (‘âdôm and ‘âdam) translated as “ruddy” are different from the one used in Genesis 25, 1 Samuel 16, and 17 to describe Esau and David, they are related. They are connected to the word ‘âdâm, which means “man” (Genesis 1:26-27) and is the origin of the name Adam, meaning “red.” Adam, both the man and woman (Genesis 5:2), derives their name from “red” and it is related to the word for “ground” or “earth” (‘ădâmâh), which often has a reddish-brown color. The Lord did not intend that to imply any particular race of people, and we should not add meaning where the Lord never did.
In conclusion, the two nations that emerged from Rebekah’s womb were not two distinct races, but rather two different ethnic groups whose religions and customs were at odds with each other. If BHIs are going to continue with the idea that Genesis 25:25 describes the racial features of a white person, they must reconsider their beliefs about David and the Messiah, who were both represented in like manner.
