The answer is: He was red and hairy

Genesis 25:25 - Esau's distinctive appearance at birth, described as "red and hairy," mirrors his later life as a skilled hunter and man of the wilderness. This contrast with Jacob, who is portrayed as sheepish and reflective, foreshadows their divergent paths. Interestingly, red is often associated with both passion and danger, themes that profoundly influence their story.

Esau's birth brings us into a rich narrative that frames the kind of men Jacob and Esau would become. Imagine little Esau, with that weathered, rugged look right from the start—how's that for a foreshadowing to his cunning ways as a man of the wild? He ends up embodying the hunter so passionately connected to the outdoors, a mirror of the symbolism associated with his fiery beginning. In fact, escaping into the wilderness (a nod to Genesis 3) adds layers to Esau’s character, illustrating themes of survival and even risk-taking in contrast to Jacob’s more domestic pursuits.

Fun fact: The name "Esau" is thought to mean "hairy," pretty fitting for a guy born ready to take on the wilderness. Furthermore, consider the transactional nature of their relationship when Ezra sold his birthright. This emphasizes a vital lesson about choices and the weight of consequences—a good sneak peek into future doctrines about compensation and entitlement.

Jacob’s quieter demeanor—his association with the tent—is fascinating too. He perfectly embodies the role of the contemplator, the person who looks inward versus the vivid, impulsive meteoric rise Esau experiences. Such distinctions resonate deeply with themes in other scripts, influencing everything from philosophical thought to contemporary understanding of human nature across cultures. Their contrasting traits serve as a backdrop, whisking readers into contemplations about identity, choices, and inevitable destiny within familial dynamics.