[editor-surveyor]

>> “what this frightful business is and about Esau.” <<

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Essentially the same message he brought in chapter 6, using Esau as an example.

Essentially that “backsliding” is permanent, so don’t fool around.

[Resettozero]

Essentially that “backsliding” is permanent, so don’t fool around.

Yes indeed! And for some "backsliders" leading up to and perhaps including the coming Big T, their turning back from Christ may not give them very much longer to live anyway.

[CynicalBear]

>>Essentially that “backsliding” is permanent, so don’t fool around.<<

I think that is a much to narrow meaning. It's the descendants of Esau who have persecuted the Israelites and helped others who did so. It's the descendants of Esau who tempted the Israelites and drew them away from God. It wasn't just one act of Esau that God was referencing. There are many instances of "backsliding" that God has brought man back from and forgiven.