Jacob and Esau

In the background of the story of John’s martyrdom is the story of Jacob and Esau. Because Jacob took the birthright from his brother, Esau sought to kill him, and Jacob had to flee. Herod is an Edomite, an Idumean, descended from Esau, but he is in a sense a successful Esau, an Esau who gets his victim. Herod will later play a role in taking the life of the true Jacob, the true Israel , Jesus. This victory of Esau is, of course, only temporary and only apparent. It will be swallowed up in the victory of Jacob’s resurrection on the third day.