1 When Isaac was old and his eyes were dim so that he could not see, he called Esau his older son and said to him, “My son”; and he answered, “Here I am.”
2 And he said, “Behold, I am old; I do not know the day of my death.
3 Now then, take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me,
4 and prepare for me delicious food, such as I love, and bring it to me so that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die.”
5 Now Rebekah was listening when Isaac spoke to his son Esau. So when Esau went to the field to hunt for game and bring it,
6 So Rebekah said to her son Jacob, “I heard your father speak to your brother Esau, saying,
7 ‘Bring me game and prepare for me delicious food, that I may eat it and bless you before the Lord before I die.’
8 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice as I command you.
9 Go to the flock and bring me two good young goats, so that I may prepare from them delicious food for your father, such as he loves.
10 Then you shall bring it to your father, that he may eat, so that he may bless you before he dies.”
11 But Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, “Behold, my brother Esau is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man.
12 Perhaps my father will feel me, and I shall seem to be mocking him and bring a curse upon myself and not a blessing.”
13 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice. Arise, flee to Laban my brother in Haran,
14 So he went and took them and brought them to his mother, and his mother prepared delicious food, such as his father loved.
15 Then Rebekah took the best garments of Esau her older son, which were with her in the house, and put them on Jacob her younger son.
16 And she put the skins of the young goats on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck.
17 Then she gave the savory food and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob.
18 So he went in to his father and said, “My father.” And he said, “Here I am. Who are you, my son?”
19 Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn. I have done as you told me; now sit up and eat of my game, that your soul may bless me.”
20 Then Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?” He answered, “Because the Lord your God granted me success.”
21 Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Please come near, that I may feel you, my son, to know whether you are really my son Esau or not.”
22 So Jacob went near to Isaac his father, who felt him and said, “The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.”
23 Then he did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands. So he blessed him.
24 Then he said, “Are you really my son Esau?” He answered, “I am.”
25 Then he said, “Bring it near to me, that I may eat of my son’s game and bless you.” So he brought it near to him, and he ate; and he brought him wine, and he drank.
26 Then his father Isaac said to him, “Come near and kiss me, my son.”
27 So he came near and kissed him. And Isaac smelled the smell of his garments and blessed him and said, “See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field that the Lord has blessed!
28 May God give you of the dew of heaven
and of the fatness of the earth
and plenty of grain and wine.
29 Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be everyone who blesses you!
30 As soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, when Jacob had scarcely gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, Esau his brother came in from his hunting.
31 As soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, when Jacob had scarcely gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, Esau his brother came in from his hunting.
32 His father Isaac said to him, “Who are you?” He answered, “I am your son, your firstborn, Esau.”
33 Then Isaac trembled very violently and said, “Who was it then that hunted game and brought it to me, and I ate it all before you came, and I have blessed him? Yes, and he shall be blessed.”
34 As soon as Esau heard the words of his father, he cried out with an exceedingly great and bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless me, even me also, O my father!”
35 But he said, “Your brother came deceitfully, and he has taken away your blessing.”
36 Then he said, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me these two times. He took away my birthright, and behold, now he has taken away my blessing.” And he said, “Have you not reserved a blessing for me?”
37 Isaac answered and said to Esau, “Behold, I have made him lord over you, and all his brothers I have given to him for servants, and with grain and wine I have sustained him. What then can I do for you, my son?”
38 Esau said to his father, “Have you but one blessing, my father? Bless me, even me also, O my father.” And Esau lifted up his voice and wept.
39 Then Isaac his father answered and said to him: “Behold, away from the fatness of the earth shall your dwelling be, and away from the dew of heaven on high.
40 By your sword you shall live, and you shall serve your brother; but when you grow restless you shall break his yoke from your neck.
41 Now Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him, and Esau said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are approaching; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”
42 But the words of Esau her older son were told to Rebekah. So she sent and called Jacob her younger son and said to him, “Behold, your brother Esau comforts himself about you by planning to kill you.
27 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice. Arise, flee to Laban, my brother in Haran,
44 Stay with him a while, until your brother’s fury turns away,
45 until your brother’s anger turns away from you, and he forgets what you have done to him. Then I will send and bring you from there. Why should I be bereft of you both in one day?”
46 Then Rebekah said to Isaac, “I loathe my life because of the Hittite women. If Jacob marries one of the Hittite women like these, one of the women of the land, what good will my life be to me?”
The True Meaning of Genesis 27
The Book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, is believed to have been written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. We witness the unfolding of a family drama that will have far-reaching consequences for the generations to come in this chapter.
The chapter centers around the deception orchestrated by Rebekah and Jacob, the younger son of Isaac, in order to secure the blessing and inheritance that rightfully belonged to Esau, the elder son. This event sets the stage for the ongoing rivalry between the two brothers, a rivalry that will be echoed in the later struggles between their descendants, the Israelites and the Edomites. Rebekah and Jacob’s actions, driven by their own desires, ultimately fulfill the divine plan for the chosen people as we delve into this chapter. The chapter also highlights the importance of obedience to God’s will, as well as the consequences of deception and the need for reconciliation within a family.
Genesis 27:1-4
Isaac, when he was old and his eyes were so weak that he could no longer see, called for his older son Esau and said to him, ‘My son.’ ‘Here I am,’ he answered. Isaac said, ‘I am now an old man and don’t know the day of my death. Now then, get your equipment—your quiver and bow—and go out to the open country to hunt some wild game for me.’”
This section from Genesis portrays Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, in his old age. Isaac was preparing to bless his eldest son Esau, who was a skillful hunter, before he died. The scene sets the stage for the deceit that will follow, as Rebekah, Isaac’s wife, overhears this conversation and devises a plan to ensure that the blessing goes to her favorite son, Jacob, instead of Esau.
Isaac’s failing eyesight is symbolic of his inability to see the truth and his vulnerability in this situation. The emphasis on the physical sense of sight serves as a metaphor for his spiritual blindness to Rebekah and Jacob’s plan, leading to the eventual deception and manipulation that will take place.
This passage highlights themes of family dynamics, favoritism, and the consequences of deceit. The rivalry between Esau and Jacob, which began in their mother’s womb (Genesis 25:22-23), intensifies as they compete for their father’s blessing. It also demonstrates the fulfillment of God’s prophecy to Rebekah regarding the younger son (Jacob) being the one who would be stronger and receive the blessing (Genesis 25:23). Individuals take matters into their own hands instead of trusting in God’s plan, setting the stage for the unfolding drama of deception and its consequences in Genesis 27. It serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty, integrity, and obedience to God’s will in all aspects of life, especially within familial relationships.
Genesis 27:5-10
A pivotal moment in the story of Jacob and Esau, the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah, is seen in Genesis 27:5-10. Isaac, who is aging and losing his sight, calls his older son Esau and instructs him to bring him a meal so that he may bless him before he dies. This blessing held significant importance in the biblical context, as it was believed to pass on not only material possessions but also spiritual favor and authority within the family.
Esau, being the older son, had the right to receive the firstborn blessing. However, Rebekah overheard this conversation between Isaac and Esau, and she favored Jacob. She immediately hatches a deceitful plan to secure the blessing for Jacob instead of Esau, who was Isaac’s favored son. This action by Rebekah sets the stage for a series of events that will have far-reaching consequences on the family dynamics and the future of Jacob and Esau.
Through this passage, we witness the theme of deception and manipulation within a family, leading to a conflict over blessings and inheritance. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of dishonesty and favoritism within familial relationships. Despite Rebekah’s intentions, her actions will lead to further estrangement between Jacob and Esau, eventually culminating in Jacob having to flee from his brother’s wrath.
This incident also foreshadows the role of trickery and divine intervention in the lives of Jacob and Esau. We see how God’s plan for the brothers unfolds despite human interference and flawed decision-making. The story of Jacob and Esau continues to demonstrate the complexities of human relationships, the consequences of our actions, and the overarching sovereignty of God’s will in our lives.
The narrative of Jacob and Esau is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, highlighting the eternal struggle between the flesh and the spirit, as well as the concept of divine election. Romans 9:13 references God’s choice of Jacob over Esau, emphasizing the sovereignty of God in selecting His chosen people. This biblical account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of deception, the importance of integrity, and the profound impact our choices can have on our lives and the lives of those around us.
Genesis 27:11-17
Jacob and his mother Rebekah conspire to deceive Isaac in Genesis 27:11-17, securing the blessing meant for the firstborn, Esau. Rebekah takes the lead in this deceitful plan, instructing Jacob on how to masquerade as his brother, so he receives the blessing. We delve into this passage, bringing to light the theme of deception and the consequences that arise from it. Jacob – whose name means “deceiver” – is portrayed here engaging in this act of deception, setting the stage for later events in his life where deceit becomes a recurring theme in his relationships. Jacob obtains the blessing that rightfully belonged to Esau by deceiving his father, setting off a chain of events that will unfold throughout the book of Genesis.
The significance of the blessing in this culture cannot be overstated. A father’s blessing in biblical times was a deeply meaningful and solemn act that signified the passing on of the family’s inheritance, authority, and even spiritual legacy. Jacob not only stole the physical inheritance but also partook in a spiritual transgression of dishonesty and betrayal by manipulating Isaac’s deteriorating eyesight and deceiving him into believing he was blessing Esau.
Rebekah’s role in this deception is equally notable. Despite being a key player in the fulfillment of God’s promise to her favoring Jacob over Esau (Genesis 25:23), she takes matters into her own hands, resorting to cunning schemes instead of trusting in God to bring about His will. This act of manipulation reveals the human tendency to manipulate circumstances to achieve what one desires, rather than submitting to God’s timing and methods.
The repercussions of Jacob and Rebekah’s actions reverberate throughout the narrative, leading to a deep rift between brothers, a fractured family dynamic, and eventual exile for Jacob due to Esau’s rage. This deceit sets the stage for Jacob’s own experiences with deception by Laban, the consequences of which shape his life in significant ways. We are reminded of the timeless message woven throughout the Bible – the consequences of deceit and the importance of honesty and integrity as we reflect on Genesis 27:11-17 and its implications. While God’s plans can ultimately prevail despite human failings, the path of deception often leads to further strife and hardships. This passage serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to trust in God’s timing and providence rather than resorting to deceitful means to achieve our ends.
Genesis 27:18-29
Jacob deceives his aging father Isaac to receive his blessing intended for Esau in a pivotal moment in the story of Jacob and Esau, as witnessed in Genesis 27:18-29. This section can be broken down into two parts – the preparation for the deception and the actual interaction between Jacob and Isaac.
Firstly, the preparation for the deception is underway with Rebekah, Jacob and Esau’s mother, orchestrating the plan to trick Isaac. Rebekah instructs Jacob to bring her two choice young goats, from which she cooks a meal for Isaac to present as if it were prepared by Esau. The use of deception here is significant as it portrays the lengths to which Jacob and Rebekah are willing to go to secure the blessing for Jacob, showing the underlying theme of deceit and manipulation in the family dynamics.
Moving on to the interaction between Jacob and Isaac, we see Jacob approaching his father, claiming to be Esau in order to receive the blessing. The blessing is a momentous event in biblical narratives as it establishes the leadership and inheritance of the recipient. Jacob is trying to secure the blessing that rightfully belonged to his older brother by impersonating Esau, illustrating the theme of deceit further in the story.
Isaac, who is now old and visually impaired, is initially hesitant but eventually bestows the blessing upon Jacob, mistaking him for Esau. The blessing that Isaac gives to Jacob is profound, speaking of abundance and dominion over his brother and nations. This blessing, given under false pretenses, sets the stage for the subsequent conflicts between Jacob and Esau and their descendants, showcasing the repercussions of deception and manipulation within the family.
This narrative in Genesis 27 highlights the consequences of deception and the complexity of family relationships. It emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in dealings with others, as deceit can lead to discord and strife. The story of Jacob and Esau serves as a cautionary tale, showing how dishonesty can have far-reaching implications for individuals and their descendants.
Reading Genesis 27 in conjunction with other passages in the Bible, such as Proverbs 12:22 which states, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy,” reinforces the timeless message of the detrimental effects of deceit and the value of honesty in relationships. The repercussions of Jacob’s deception reverberate throughout the narrative of Genesis and beyond, underscoring the need for ethical conduct and transparency in all aspects of life.
Genesis 27:30-40
Jacob receives the blessing that was meant for his brother Esau through deceit in Genesis 27:30-40. Let’s break down this passage into important sections:
-
Esau his brother came in from his hunting as soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, when Jacob had scarcely gone out from the presence of Isaac his father. He also prepared delicious food and brought it to his father. And he said to his father, ‘Let my father arise and eat of his son’s game, that you may bless me.’ His father Isaac said to him, ‘Who are you?’ He answered, ‘I am your son, your firstborn, Esau.’ Then Isaac trembled very violently and said, ‘Who was it then that hunted game and brought it to me, and I ate it all before you came, and I have blessed him? Yes, and he shall be blessed. Isaac realizes that he had been deceived by Jacob into blessing him instead of Esau. The shock and realization lead to Isaac trembling, recognizing the irreversible nature of the blessing he bestowed upon Jacob. This event highlights the consequences of deceit and the importance of honesty in relationships. It also reminds us that God’s will cannot be thwarted by human manipulation.
-
Esau cried out with an exceedingly great and bitter cry as soon as he heard the words of his father in verses 34-40.’ But he said, ‘Your brother came deceitfully, and he has taken away your blessing.’ Esau said, ‘Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me these two times. He took away my birthright, and behold, now he has taken away my blessing.’ Then he said, ‘Have you not reserved a blessing for me?’ Isaac answered and said to Esau, ‘Behold, I have made him lord over you, and all his brothers I have given to him for servants, and with grain and wine I have sustained him. What then can I do for you, my son?’ Esau said to his father, ‘Have you but one blessing, my father? Bless me, even me also, O my father.’ And Esau lifted up his voice and wept.”
This portion of the passage showcases the deep regret and sorrow of Esau upon realizing that both his birthright and blessing have been taken from him. Esau’s cry reflects the pain of losing something valuable due to his own choices and the dishonesty of others. It also demonstrates the consequences of prioritizing worldly desires over spiritual blessings. Despite his pleas, Isaac acknowledges that the blessing given to Jacob cannot be reversed, indicating the divine authority behind the blessings and their significance.
The story of Jacob and Esau’s blessings is a powerful reminder of the importance of integrity, honesty, and the sovereignty of God’s will. It serves as a cautionary tale against deceit and the pursuit of selfish gain at the expense of others. Through this narrative, we learn about the enduring consequences of our actions and the value of spiritual blessings over material possessions. Furthermore, it points to God’s ability to work through flawed individuals to accomplish His divine plan, despite human failings and shortcomings.
Additionally, this story sets the stage for the ongoing conflict between Jacob and Esau, leading to their eventual reconciliation in Genesis 33. It underscores the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the transformative power of God’s grace in healing broken relationships. Genesis 27 offers profound insights into human nature, the consequences of deceit, and the overarching sovereignty of God in fulfilling His promises.
Genesis 27:41-46
Genesis 27:41-46 reads, “Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. He said to himself, ‘The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.’ When Rebekah was told what her older son Esau had said, she sent for her younger son Jacob and said to him, ‘Your brother Esau is planning to avenge himself by killing you. Now then, my son, do what I say: Flee at once to my brother Laban in Harran. Stay with him for a while until your brother’s fury subsides. When your brother is no longer angry with you and forgets what you did to him, I’ll send word for you to come back from there. Why should I lose both of you in one day?’ Then Rebekah said to Isaac, ‘I’m disgusted with living because of these Hittite women. If Jacob takes a wife from among the women of this land, from Hittite women like these, my life will not be worth living. We witness the aftermath of Jacob deceiving his father Isaac to obtain Esau’s blessing as the firstborn in this passage. Esau’s deep resentment and anger towards Jacob for this deception are evident as he makes plans to kill his brother. This sets the stage for Jacob having to flee from his family to save his life. Rebekah, in her concern for Jacob’s safety, devises a plan for him to journey to her homeland and stay with her brother Laban until Esau’s anger subsides.
This account highlights the consequences of deceit and favoritism within a family. Jacob’s actions have now fractured the relationship between him and his brother Esau, leading to the potential loss of a sibling due to bitterness and unforgiveness. It also showcases the protective nature of a mother like Rebekah who intervenes to safeguard her son’s life, even if it involves separation from him for a period of time.
The mention of the Hittite women by Rebekah reveals her distress over the thought of Jacob marrying from the local pagan tribes. This concern echoes the importance of maintaining religious and cultural purity within the lineage of Abraham, ensuring that the covenant God made with Abraham is not diluted or compromised by intermarriage with pagan nations.
This passage also serves as a foreshadowing of Jacob’s journey to Haran, where he will eventually meet Rachel and Leah, Laban’s daughters, and experience his own share of deception and betrayal. Jacob’s time in Haran will shape his character and pave the way for the fulfillment of God’s promises to him, illustrating the theme of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness amidst human failings and struggles. Deceit underscores the destructive consequences of this episode in Genesis 27, shaping destinies through family dynamics and God’s providential guidance amidst familial turmoil and personal challenges. It sets the stage for the continued narrative of Jacob’s life, marked by trials, redemption, and ultimately, transformation.
After Genesis 27
The chapter concluded with Jacob deceiving his father Isaac and receiving the blessing intended for his brother Esau. This act of deception would have far-reaching consequences, not only for Jacob but for the entire family. We will see how this pivotal moment shapes the lives of these brothers and the unfolding of God’s plan for His chosen people as we move forward. The path ahead may be fraught with challenges, but we must trust that the Lord’s wisdom and purpose will prevail, even when our own understanding falls short. Approach the next chapter with open hearts, ready to witness the continued unfolding of this remarkable story of faith, family, and the sovereign hand of our Almighty God.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.