Verse: Genesis 28:9
Theme: Attempting to Fix Spiritual Mistakes with Fleshly Solutions
So Esau went to Ishmael and married Mahalath the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Ishmael son of Abraham in addition to the wives he already had
— Genesis 28:9, New International Version (NIV)
Esau then went to Ishmael and married Mahalath daughter of Ishmael and sister of Nebaioth as an additional wife
— Genesis 28:9, Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
So Esau went to Ishmael and took Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham’s son and the sister of Nebaioth to be his wife in addition to the wives he had
— Genesis 28:9, New English Translation (NET)
Meaning of Genesis 28:9
Genesis 28:9 reveals a fascinating yet tragic effort by Esau to correct his previous mistakes. After realizing that his choice of Canaanite wives had displeased his parents, Esau tries to remedy the situation by marrying a relative of Abraham—Ishmael’s daughter, Mahalath. On the surface, it might seem like a wise or redemptive act. But this was not a solution rooted in obedience to God. It was driven by guilt, desperation, and a desire to please people rather than God.
Esau’s decision highlights a common human tendency: attempting to fix spiritual failures with external actions instead of inner repentance. He did not seek God’s counsel. He did not apologize or return to the path of covenant obedience. Instead, he made another marriage alliance—this time with the daughter of Abraham’s son Ishmael, whose descendants were also not included in the covenant promise.
This verse is a clear example of what happens when someone tries to patch over disobedience with more effort, instead of surrender. Esau wanted to please his parents, but not necessarily to please God. His intentions may have been sincere, but they lacked spiritual wisdom and direction. The lesson is clear: partial obedience or surface-level solutions cannot replace true repentance and spiritual alignment.
Popular Words of Wisdom from Genesis 28:9
You cannot fix spiritual disobedience by making emotional decisions. Esau tried to patch sin with performance
— Priscilla Shirer, Bible Teacher and Author of “Discerning the Voice of God”
Trying to clean up rebellion with effort instead of repentance leads to deeper compromise
— Dr. Tony Evans, Senior Pastor and President of The Urban Alternative
Esau was more interested in managing perceptions than in pursuing God. That is where many fall short
— Tim Ross, Pastor and Host of The Basement Podcast
You cannot earn back covenant favor by pleasing people. Only surrender restores position with God
— Lisa Bevere, Co-Founder of Messenger International
Esau’s attempt at correction was human-centered not Spirit-led. That is the difference between apology and repentance
— Dr. Eric Mason, Pastor and Founder of Thriving
The flesh always offers fixes that look right but miss the heart of God’s instruction
— Francis Chan, Evangelist and Author of “Crazy Love”
Religious gestures without relational submission only deepen the gap between us and God
— Christine Caine, Evangelist and Founder of A21
Esau added more wives thinking more effort would erase past rebellion. But God looks at the heart not the strategy
— Dr. Charles Stanley, Founder of In Touch Ministries
Explaining the Context of Genesis 28:9
This moment happens immediately after a major family crisis. Jacob has just received the blessing of the firstborn from Isaac, through Rebekah’s planning and Jacob’s deception. Esau is furious, and his fury is mixed with heartbreak and regret. Isaac and Rebekah, aware of the dysfunction brewing in their home, send Jacob away to find a wife among their relatives in Padan Aram—just like Abraham had done for Isaac.
Esau overhears this and realizes, perhaps for the first time, just how deeply his Canaanite marriages grieved his parents. It’s important to notice: Esau does not respond by ending those marriages, nor does he seek out the God of Abraham. Instead, he adds another wife to the mix, this time from the line of Ishmael. Ishmael was Abraham’s son, yes—but he was not the chosen son of the covenant. His descendants were not heirs of the promise.
This context makes Esau’s choice all the more tragic. He seems to understand that something is wrong, but instead of going to the root—his heart and his relationship with God—he addresses only the surface. He chooses performance over transformation.
Explaining the Key Parts of Genesis 28:9
Then Went Esau Unto Ishmael
This is a purposeful action. Esau decides to go to Ishmael’s family, thinking this will align him more closely with the covenant family. But proximity to the promise is not the same as walking in it. Ishmael, though Abraham’s son, was not the line through which God would establish His covenant.
And Took Unto the Wives Which He Had
Esau already had multiple wives. Instead of repenting or seeking reconciliation with God, he multiplies the very pattern that caused his earlier trouble. He is adding to the error rather than correcting the course.
Mahalath, the Daughter of Ishmael
On paper, this may have seemed like a step in the right direction. Mahalath was from Abraham’s extended family. But good appearances are not good enough if the heart remains unchanged. Esau’s motive was not about honoring God—it was about winning back parental approval.
The Sister of Nebajoth to Be His Wife
The mention of Nebajoth helps identify Mahalath more precisely, anchoring this move in a specific family tree. But even though the lineage looked closer to covenant, the decision still came from a place of human logic, not divine leading.
Lessons to Learn from Genesis 28:9
1. You cannot Correct Spiritual Mistakes with Human Strategies
Esau tried to fix his disobedience with another marriage. But spiritual restoration begins with repentance, not action alone.
2. Pleasing People Is Not the Same as Pleasing God
Esau saw his parents’ disappointment and acted to regain their favor. But he did not seek God’s favor. That mistake is still common today.
3. Proximity to the Promise Is Not Possession of It
Marrying into Abraham’s family did not make Esau part of the covenant. Only obedience and faith do that.
4. Partial Obedience Is Still Disobedience
Esau’s choice was based on what seemed better, not on what was right in God’s eyes. Without full alignment to God’s will, even our best efforts can fall short.
5. True Repentance Is a Heart Shift, Not a Role Shift
Esau tried to adjust his image instead of changing his direction. God wants transformation, not cosmetics.
6. Repetition of a Wrong Pattern Deepens the Wound
Esau already had wives who caused grief. Instead of breaking that cycle, he added to it. Unchecked patterns only grow more destructive over time.
7. Motive Matters More Than Motion
Esau moved quickly to act, but his motive was not submission. Without the right heart, movement means little in the Kingdom of God.
Related Bible Verses
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit a broken and contrite heart O God thou wilt not despise
— Psalm 51:17, King James Version (KJV)
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes but the Lord pondereth the hearts
— Proverbs 21:2, King James Version (KJV)
Faith without works is dead but works without faith is deception
— James 2:26, Amplified Bible (AMP)
These people honor me with their lips but their hearts are far from me
— Matthew 15:8, English Standard Version (ESV)
Obedience is better than sacrifice and submission is better than offering the fat of rams
— 1 Samuel 15:22, New Living Translation (NLT)
How This Verse Points to Christ
Genesis 28:9 shows the futility of trying to fix spiritual failures with performance. Esau’s gesture could not restore what had been lost because it lacked repentance and faith. This points directly to the heart of the gospel. Where Esau failed, Christ succeeded.
Jesus does not ask us to cover our mistakes with more effort. He calls us to bring them to the cross. The only true restoration comes not from new alliances or human effort but through surrender to Christ. He is the only one who can restore us to the Father, not by what we do, but by what He has done.
Where Esau added another wife, Jesus offers a better covenant. One that is based on grace, not human effort. One that is rooted in a heart changed by the Spirit, not just external changes. Christ does not want more effort. He wants our heart.
Closing Reflection
Genesis 28:9 is a sobering look at what happens when we try to fix spiritual problems with fleshly solutions. Esau tried to win back favor by adding to his family, but what he needed was a change of heart. His story reminds us that good intentions are not enough. Only a surrendered life can walk in God’s promises.
If you find yourself trying to fix mistakes by working harder or pleasing others, stop.
Ask instead: Is my heart aligned with God?
Am I surrendering or just scrambling?
Esau teaches us that more motion without true repentance leads nowhere. Christ offers us a better way—one of grace, humility, and transformation from the inside out.
Say This Prayer
Lord Jesus
Thank You for reminding me that true restoration only comes through You. Help me to stop striving and start surrendering. Forgive me for trying to fix spiritual mistakes with human solutions.
Teach me to value Your covenant more than my comfort. Search my heart and lead me in the way everlasting. May every decision I make come from a place of obedience, not fear or performance.
I choose Your way above mine. I trust Your grace above my efforts. Lead me in truth and keep me aligned with Your will.
In Jesus’ name, I pray
Amen.