The comparison of Sodom and Egypt when referring to Jerusalem refers to similar national characteristics it shared with ancient Sodom. Likewise the profiling of Edom's sin derives from the careless attitude toward the promises of Abraham and the later jealousy he had for his brother. Esau was never able to come to repentance and secure forgiveness from God. The selling of his birthright was a profane act, making Esau's descendants estranged from God and Jacob's descendants. When God makes a promise (Genesis 49: 22), it is dramatically and startlingly fulfilled. The same will be true for the spiritual promises. It would be a tragic mistake to emulate Esau's reaction of devaluating these promises.