Biblically and Extra-Biblically, Hunting is Linked with Poor Character

A common theme in the Bible (and extrabiblical sources) is that hunting is consistently associated with poor character. Three particular hunters validate this conclusion:

Nimrod was a mighty hunter. Notably, Nimrod helped build the Tower of Babel (Gen 10:9–10), which led to disastrous consequences from God (11:1–9). This connection is acknowledged in many Jewish compositions. For instance, in Antiquities of the Jews, Josephus, an ancient historian, implied that Nimrod built the Tower of Babel as revenge against God for the killing of his ancestors with the Flood (6:1–8:14). Based on the etymology of his name, Nimrod was considered a rebel. Based on a more literal translation of Genesis 10:9 (ISV), Nimrod’s hunting was rebellious against God. In Genesis 10:8–9, Nimrod is thrice described as, ‘mighty.’ However, the Hebrew word for ‘mighty’ (gibbor) can also be translated to ‘tyrant.’ Nimrod’s name bears fitting historical connotations. For instance, in the 16th century, ‘nimrod’ was a synonym for ‘tyrant’ because of Nimrod’s alleged lack of benevolence. However, that definition is now outdated. Yet, Nimrod’s name still lives on in disparagement today. Because of his Tower of Babel involvement, which led to the Lord’s wrath, ‘nimrod’ nowadays means ‘a stupid person.’ Additionally, today ‘nimrod’ can also mean ‘jerk’ or ‘idiot.’ Clearly, Nimrod had a poor character. Based upon how the Bible negatively portrays and discourages hunting, Nimrod’s hunting is further indicative of his poor character.

Ishmael was an expert hunter, although this might have been necessary for survival, as he was raised and resided in the wilderness (Gen 21:20–21). The secular meat eaten from this hunting would align with the gluttony restriction. Regardless, Galatians 4:29 says Ishmael was a persecutor of his (half) brother, Isaac (Gen 25:9). Additionally, Ishmael mocked Isaac, which is why Sarah despised Ishmael and demanded that he and his mother, Hagar, be banished (21:9–10). Hebrew commentary is much harsher (maybe too harsh). For instance, based on rabbinic commentary of the Bible, the French rabbi, Rashi (Shlomo Yitzchaki) (c. AD 1040–1105), incriminated Ishmael with unlawful sexual relations, murder, and idolatry.  Clearly, Ishmael had a poor character. Based upon how the Bible negatively portrays and discourages hunting, Ishmael’s hunting is further indicative of his poor character.

Esau was a skilled hunter (Gen 25:27). Importantly, Hebrews 12:16 indicates that God hated Esau (Mal 1:2–3; Rom 9:13) because he was unholy and sexually immoral. Furthermore, rabbinical literature states that Esau was a bloodthirsty atheist who had an evil disposition, which was evident in his shameful conduct and evil deeds of blasphemy, theft, lying, outrageous vice, insulting women, murdering, hypocrisy, and polygamy to godless/idolatrous wives. This rabbinical literature also states that Esau maltreated, injured, and attempted murder of his twin brother Jacob (Gen 25:24–26). Clearly, Esau had a poor character. Based upon how the Bible negatively portrays and discourages hunting, Esau’s hunting is further indicative of his poor character.