37. 1772. But regarding the fact that sons of such opposite character are born of one parent, consult the things that were written and dictated at the end of this volume about the procreation of character (which may be inserted here, if it is later permitted). The same thing is confirmed in the case of the sons of Adam, who were Cain and Abel, and also Seth, as well as the sons of Noah - Ham, Japheth and Shem, who were of opposing character, though from one parent. But that the twins Esau and Jacob possessed such [a difference of character] was of the providence of God the Messiah, which at that time transferred iniquity to Esau, and integrity to Jacob. But at a later period of their lives, this was changed in accordance with the character of each, received from the Father and the mother, just as that character was at birth, as said in that passage [83]. For the character of the father comes later, developing in the course of time, while that of the mother comes more quickly, and at first conception, thus in the unborn and the baby. [Hereditary, Heredity; Character; Mother; Father] [See also WE 1773-74, continuing the explanation of Gen. 36:6.]
[See WE 1799, explaining Gen. 36:19.] 1800. It is said once more, "The same is Edom," that it may be known in the strictest sense that the Edomites arise from this source, and in a broader sense, that Esau is the father of the Edomites. In the very inward sense, it is said for the sake of the true Church of God the Messiah in all those generations and thus nations; in the innermost sense, for the sake of the true Church of God the Messiah in the entire globe, going back to Esau as parent. In the highest sense, however, it is said for the sake of the Messiah Himself, Who found it fitting to be called "Edom." The reason why He did find it suitable to be called "Edom," as shown above in paragraphs 1760 and 1780, is that spoken of above at Chapter 25, verse 30, [WE 356,] where it is obvious that Jacob had imposed this name upon Esau because Esau was partaking of the red stew when he sold his birthright. But it is quite apparent that God the Messiah turned this very thing that Jacob had done in mockery, into good.* So it is always: when an evil person intends evil, God the Messiah Himself turns it to good, and this is the rule in all and the least cases, namely, that whatever evil is intended by demons is turned to good by God the Messiah.* * In the original this paragraph was emphasized by the symbol "NB." Written twice in the margin.
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