Genesis 27 Chapter Commentary: Rebekah and Jacob Trick Isaac Into Giving Jacob His Blessing

In Genesis 27, an elderly and blind Isaac chooses to bless his oldest son, Esau, before he passes away. Isaac’s wife, Rebekah, overhears the discussion and comes up with a scheme for her younger son, Jacob, to receive the blessing instead.

Isaac receives supper from Rebekah, which Jacob delivers while dressing like Esau and imitating Esau’s hairy arms with animal skins. Jacob is given the blessing meant for Esau by tricking Isaac, who has poor vision and hearing, into thinking Jacob is Esau.

Esau feels upset and decides to kill Jacob after learning of the trick. Rebekah persuades Jacob to leave and go to her brother Laban’s house in Haran out of concern for his life.

As the narrative comes to a close, Isaac realizes that he has been duped and that Jacob, and not Esau, has been blessed. He is furious, yet he reiterates the blessing and assures Jacob of prosperity.

What’s the Main Point?

Genesis 27 is a story of deception, trickery, and the consequences of dishonesty. It also shows the importance of family relationships and the impact that our actions can have on those around us.

What Can We Learn from This Chapter?

Honesty is crucial since Rebekah and Jacob’s deception of Isaac was a grave transgression that tore their family apart. This demonstrates how crucial honesty and morality are in the interactions we have with others.

Favoritism has negative repercussions: Jacob’s bitterness and envy over Isaac’s favoritism of Esau resulted in the deception. This exemplifies the drawbacks of favoritism and inequitable treatment of kids.

God’s sovereignty: In spite of the trickery and deceit that took place, God’s plan for Jacob’s life was nevertheless carried out. This serves as a reminder that even when things appear to be going wrong, God is still in control.

The value of forgiveness: Despite the damage that Jacob and Rebekah had brought about, Isaac eventually forgave them and reiterated the blessing Isaac had bestowed onto Jacob. This demonstrates the value of forgiveness in mending fences and moving on.

The influence of words: Jacob’s life was significantly impacted by Isaac’s words of blessing. This emphasizes how crucial it is to choose our words carefully and thoughtfully and the power they possess to affect people around us.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come to you today humbly, recognizing that we are all prone to sin and deception. Help us to be people of integrity and honesty, treating others fairly and avoiding the traps of favoritism and deception.

We ask for your guidance in our relationships, that we may be peacemakers and agents of forgiveness, just as Isaac forgave Jacob and Rebekah. And may our words be a source of encouragement and blessing to those around us, as we seek to honor and serve you in all that we do. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Featured image attribution:

Isaac Blessing Jacob, detail from 1400/1405, by a Follower of Master of the Golden Bull; miniature on vellum; overall: 56.8 x 40.6 cm (22 3/8 x 16 in.); at National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC. This image is in the public domain. Cropped from original.