Jacob was actually more cunning than Esau. The word for cooking (Hebrew wayyazed, meaning “boiling”) sounds like the word for hunter (Hebrew tsayid). While Jacob was boiling stew, he was also setting a trap for Esau, who is described as hairy and red. He may have waited a long time for this moment.
The word for cooking can also describe acting without proper limits, like water boiling over a pot. In this way, Jacob went too far when he took the promise for himself. By contrast, Abraham trusted that the promise was already his, so he was willing to give the land to others (see study note on 13:8–13).
Esau was tired and hungry, but his life was not in danger (25:32; see study note on 25:33–34).