Isaac Blesses Jacob 1When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he could no longer see, he called his older son Esau and said to him, “My son.” 2“Look,” said Isaac, “I am now old, and I do not know the day of my death. 3Take your weapons—your quiver and bow—and go out into the field to hunt some game for me. 4Then prepare a tasty dish that I love and bring it to me to eat, so that I may bless you before I die.” 5Now Rebekah was listening to what Isaac told his son Esau. So when Esau went into the field to hunt game and bring it back, 6Rebekah said to her son Jacob, “Behold, I overheard your father saying to your brother Esau, 7‘Bring me some game and prepare me a tasty dish to eat, so that I may bless you in the presence of the LORD before I die.’ 8Now, my son, listen to my voice and do exactly as I tell you. 9Go out to the flock and bring me two choice young goats, so that I can make them into a tasty dish for your father—the kind he loves. 10Then take it to your father to eat, so that he may bless you before he dies.” 11Jacob answered his mother Rebekah, “Look, my brother Esau is a hairy man, but I am smooth-skinned. 12What if my father touches me? Then I would be revealed to him as a deceiver, and I would bring upon myself a curse rather than a blessing.” 13His mother replied, “Your curse be on me, my son. Just obey my voice and go get them for me.” 14So Jacob went and got two goats and brought them to his mother, who made the tasty food his father loved. 15And Rebekah took the finest clothes in the house that belonged to her older son Esau, and she put them on her younger son Jacob. 16She also put the skins of the young goats on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck. 17Then she handed her son Jacob the tasty food and bread she had made. 18So Jacob went to his father and said, “My father.” “Here I am!” he answered. “Which one are you, my son?” 19Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau, your firstborn. I have done as you told me. Please sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may bless me.” 20But Isaac asked his son, “How did you ever find it so quickly, my son?” “Because the LORD your God brought it to me,” he replied. 21Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Please come closer so I can touch you, my son. Are you really my son Esau, or not?” 22So Jacob came close to his father Isaac, who touched him and said, “The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” 23Isaac did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau; so he blessed him. 24Again he asked, “Are you really my son Esau?” 25“Serve me,” said Isaac, “and let me eat some of my son’s game, so that I may bless you.” Jacob brought it to him, and he ate; then he brought him wine, and he drank. 26Then his father Isaac said to him, “Please come near and kiss me, my son.” 27So he came near and kissed him. When Isaac smelled his clothing, he blessed him and said: “Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field 28May God give to you the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth— an abundance of grain and new wine. 29May peoples serve you and nations bow down to you. May you be the master of your brothers, and may the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed, and those who bless you be blessed.” Esau’s Lost Hope 30As soon as Isaac had finished blessing him and Jacob had left his father’s presence, his brother Esau returned from the hunt. 31He too made some tasty food, brought it to his father, and said to him, “My father, sit up and eat of your son’s game, so that you may bless me.” 32But his father Isaac replied, “Who are you?” “I am Esau, your firstborn son,” he answered. 33Isaac began to tremble violently and said, “Who was it, then, who hunted the game and brought it to me? Before you came in, I ate it all and blessed him—and indeed, he will be blessed!” 34When Esau heard his father’s words, he let out a loud and bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless me too, O my father!” 35But Isaac replied, “Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing.” 36So Esau declared, “Is he not rightly named Jacob?a For he has cheated me twice. He took my birthright, and now he has taken my blessing.” Then he asked, “Haven’t you saved a blessing for me?” 37But Isaac answered Esau: “Look, I have made him your master and given him all his relatives as servants; I have sustained him with grain and new wine. What is left that I can do for you, my son?” 38Esau said to his father, “Do you have only one blessing, my father? Bless me too, O my father!” Then Esau wept aloud. 39His father Isaac answered him: “Behold, your dwelling place shall be away from the richness of the land, away from the dew of heaven above. 40You shall live by the sword and serve your brother. But when you rebel, you will tear his yoke from your neck.” 41Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” 42When the words of her older son Esau were relayed to Rebekah, she sent for her younger son Jacob and told him, “Look, your brother Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you. 43So now, my son, obey my voice and flee at once to my brother Laban in Haran. 44Stay with him for a while, until your brother’s fury subsides— 45until your brother’s rage against you wanes and he forgets what you have done to him. Then I will send for you and bring you back from there. Why should I lose both of you in one day?” 46Then Rebekah said to Isaac, “I am weary of my life because of these Hittite women.b If Jacob takes a Hittite wife from among them, what good is my life?” Footnotes: 36 a Jacob means he grasps the heel or he deceives. 46 b Or daughters of Heth Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Genesis 27 Summary Isaac Blesses JacobVerses 1–4 – Isaac Prepares to Bless Esau Verses 5–17 – Rebekah Coaches Jacob to Deceive Verses 18–29 – Jacob Receives the Blessing Verses 30–40 – Esau’s Return and Isaac’s Irrevocable Blessing Verses 41–46 – Rebekah Protects Jacob from Esau’s Wrath This chapter presents a high-stakes tale of deception, favoritism, and familial tension. As Isaac nears his last days, a complex web of deception unfolds in his household, resulting in far-reaching consequences for his sons, Esau and Jacob. Setting and Timeline Genesis 27 occurs in Beersheba or Hebron late in Isaac’s life, roughly 2000 BC. Jacob and Esau are about 77, showing that adult children still depended on parental blessing for social and spiritual standing. Family Background of the Patriarchs Isaac, the promised son of Abraham (Genesis 21), carries God’s covenant. Esau, though firstborn, earlier despised his birthright for lentil stew (Genesis 25:29-34). Jacob, whose name means “grabs the heel,” again lives up to his reputation as he grasps for the blessing. Ancient Near-Eastern Customs of Blessing 1. Formal pronouncement given near a patriarch’s deathbed. 2. Considered legally binding and spiritually potent—words once spoken could not be retracted (cf. Numbers 23:19). 3. Often accompanied by a meal or sacrifice, symbolizing covenant fellowship (cf. Genesis 18:1-8). Birthright vs. Blessing • Birthright (bekorah) granted a double portion of inheritance (Deuteronomy 21:17). • Blessing (berakhah) conveyed prophetic destiny and leadership. Jacob had already secured the birthright; now he seeks the spoken blessing that confirms leadership within God’s plan. Significance of the Meal and Game Wild game reflected Esau’s identity as a hunter and Isaac’s preference for his eldest (v 4). Rebekah’s substitute goats show quick thinking and that domesticated animals could mimic game flavor. Meals often sealed agreements (cf. Genesis 31:54). Costly Consequences of Deception • Family division: Jacob flees for twenty years. • Personal hardship: He later endures Laban’s trickery (Genesis 29). • Yet God works through human weakness to advance His purpose (Romans 8:28). Archaeological Parallels Clay tablets from Nuzi (15th century BC) record adopted heirs receiving blessings through spoken oaths, reinforcing the legal weight of Isaac’s words. Goat-hair garments found in tombs from the same region illustrate how simple disguises could mimic a hairy man like Esau. Echoes in Later Scripture • Romans 9:10-12 cites this episode to show that God’s choice preceded the twins’ actions. • Hebrews 11:20 honors Isaac’s faith in blessing his sons “regarding the future.” • Hebrews 12:16-17 warns against Esau’s godlessness and irretrievable loss. Lessons on God’s Sovereignty Despite flawed human motives, God’s promise to make Jacob the covenant heir (Genesis 25:23) stands firm. Human sin complicates—but cannot cancel—divine plans. Christological Insights Jacob, clothed in his brother’s garments and accepted by the father, faintly foreshadows believers who are accepted by the Father when clothed in the righteousness of Christ (Galatians 3:27; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Unlike Jacob’s deceit, Christ’s offering is open, perfect, and gracious. Applications for Marriage and Parenting • Favoritism breeds rivalry (cf. Genesis 25:28). • Clear communication and adherence to God’s revealed will prevent family fractures. • Parents influence generational faith; Isaac’s shaky discernment and Rebekah’s scheming both leave enduring marks. Jacob and Esau in the Prophets and New Testament • Malachi 1:2-3 contrasts God’s love for Jacob and rejection of Esau’s descendants (Edom). • Obadiah foretells Edom’s downfall. • Romans 9 explains divine choice. These references treat Genesis 27 not as legend but historical foundation for Israel’s identity. Practical Takeaways 1. Seek God’s blessing honestly; shortcuts bring sorrow. 2. Words carry life-shaping power—speak them carefully. 3. God’s plan prevails even when people fail. Key Memory Verse “See, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the LORD has blessed.” (Genesis 27:27) Closing Thought Genesis 27 shows a tangle of human ambition and divine purpose. While the family plots, God’s covenant thread runs steady, reminding every reader that His faithfulness outlasts our failures. Connections to Additional Scriptures Proverbs 12:22Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight. This verse underscores the importance of truthfulness. Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. This reminds us of God's sovereignty and ability to work through all circumstances. Ephesians 4:25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another. This encourages us to live in truth within our communities. Teaching Points The Importance of BlessingsIn ancient times, a father's blessing was not just a formality but a powerful declaration that shaped the future of the recipient. Isaac's blessing was intended for Esau, the firstborn, highlighting the cultural significance of birthright and blessing. Deception and Its Consequences Rebekah and Jacob's deception (Genesis 27:6-17) shows how deceit can fracture family relationships and lead to long-term consequences. Their actions resulted in Esau's deep anger and a fractured family. God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Schemes Despite human manipulation, God's purposes prevail. Jacob's eventual blessing aligns with God's earlier prophecy to Rebekah (Genesis 25:23), demonstrating that God's plans are not thwarted by human actions. The Role of Parental Influence Rebekah's involvement in the deception highlights the powerful influence parents have on their children, for better or worse. Her favoritism and actions had significant repercussions for her family. Practical Applications Value IntegrityIn our pursuit of success or blessings, we must prioritize integrity and honesty, trusting that God honors those who walk in truth. Trust in God's Timing Instead of resorting to manipulation, we should trust in God's timing and sovereignty, believing that His plans for us are good and will come to fruition in His perfect timing. Reflect on Family Dynamics Consider the dynamics within your own family. Are there areas where favoritism or deception might be causing harm? Seek to address these issues with grace and truth. Seek Reconciliation If deception or broken trust has affected your relationships, take steps toward reconciliation, seeking forgiveness and healing. People 1. IsaacIsaac is the son of Abraham and the father of Esau and Jacob. In Genesis 27, he is described as old and having weak eyesight. He intends to bless his elder son, Esau, before he dies. The Hebrew name "Yitzchak" (יִצְחָק) means "he will laugh," reflecting the joy and surprise of his birth to Abraham and Sarah in their old age. 2. Esau Esau is the elder son of Isaac and Rebekah. Known for his red hair and hunting skills, he is favored by Isaac. In this chapter, Esau is sent by Isaac to hunt game and prepare a meal so that Isaac can bless him. The Hebrew name "Esav" (עֵשָׂו) is associated with being "hairy" or "rough." 3. Jacob Jacob is the younger son of Isaac and Rebekah. He is favored by Rebekah and is known for his cunning nature. In Genesis 27, Jacob deceives his father Isaac, with Rebekah's help, to receive the blessing intended for Esau. The Hebrew name "Ya'akov" (יַעֲקֹב) means "he grasps the heel" or "supplanter," reflecting his actions in this narrative. 4. Rebekah Rebekah is the wife of Isaac and the mother of Esau and Jacob. She plays a crucial role in the deception of Isaac, instructing Jacob to disguise himself as Esau to receive the blessing. The Hebrew name "Rivkah" (רִבְקָה) is thought to mean "to tie" or "to bind," possibly reflecting her binding influence in the family dynamics. Places 1. BeershebaWhile not directly mentioned in Genesis 27, Beersheba is the location where Isaac and his family were residing prior to the events of this chapter (Genesis 26:23). It is a significant location in the patriarchal narratives, often associated with covenants and oaths. The name "Beersheba" comes from the Hebrew roots "be'er" (בְּאֵר), meaning "well," and "sheba" (שֶׁבַע), meaning "seven" or "oath." 2. Haran In Genesis 27:43, Rebekah instructs Jacob to flee to Haran to her brother Laban. Haran is a city in Mesopotamia, which is significant as the place where Abraham's family settled after leaving Ur. The Hebrew name "Haran" (חָרָן) is associated with the region where Abraham's relatives lived. Events 1. Isaac's Request to EsauIsaac, who is old and has poor eyesight, calls his elder son Esau and asks him to hunt game and prepare a savory meal so that he may bless him before he dies. This request sets the stage for the subsequent events. The Hebrew word for "bless" used here is "בָּרַךְ" (barak), indicating a formal and significant bestowal of favor (Genesis 27:1-4). 2. Rebekah's Eavesdropping and Plan Rebekah overhears Isaac's conversation with Esau and devises a plan to secure the blessing for her younger son, Jacob. She instructs Jacob to fetch two young goats so she can prepare a meal for Isaac, mimicking Esau's cooking (Genesis 27:5-10). 3. Jacob's Hesitation and Rebekah's Assurance Jacob expresses concern about deceiving his father, fearing a curse instead of a blessing. Rebekah reassures him, saying, "Let the curse fall on me, my son" (Genesis 27:11-13). 4. Jacob's Deception Jacob follows his mother's instructions, disguising himself with Esau's clothes and goat skins on his hands and neck to mimic Esau's hairy skin. He brings the prepared meal to Isaac (Genesis 27:14-17). 5. Isaac's Suspicion and Blessing Isaac is initially suspicious due to the quick return and the voice he hears, but after feeling Jacob's hands and smelling his clothes, he is convinced. Isaac then blesses Jacob, thinking he is Esau, bestowing upon him prosperity and dominion (Genesis 27:18-29). 6. Esau's Return and Distress Esau returns from hunting, prepares his meal, and brings it to Isaac, only to discover that Jacob has deceitfully received the blessing. Esau is distraught and pleads for a blessing from Isaac (Genesis 27:30-34). 7. Isaac's Response to Esau Isaac trembles violently upon realizing the deception but confirms that Jacob will indeed be blessed. He gives Esau a secondary blessing, which is less favorable, predicting a life of struggle and servitude to Jacob (Genesis 27:35-40). 8. Esau's Grudge and Rebekah's Concern Esau harbors a grudge against Jacob and plans to kill him after Isaac's death. Rebekah learns of Esau's intentions and warns Jacob, advising him to flee to her brother Laban in Haran (Genesis 27:41-45). 9. Rebekah's Appeal to Isaac Rebekah expresses her concern to Isaac about Jacob marrying a Hittite woman, using this as a pretext to send Jacob away to her family, thus ensuring his safety from Esau's wrath (Genesis 27:46). Topics 1. Isaac's Blessing PlanIsaac, now old and with dim eyesight, calls his elder son Esau to prepare for the blessing. He instructs Esau to hunt game and prepare a meal so that Isaac may bless him before he dies. This sets the stage for the unfolding events and highlights the cultural importance of the patriarchal blessing (Genesis 27:1-4). 2. Rebekah's Deception Overhearing Isaac's plan, Rebekah devises a scheme to secure the blessing for Jacob, her favored son. She instructs Jacob to fetch two young goats so she can prepare a meal for Isaac, mimicking Esau's cooking. This reflects the Hebrew concept of "bekorah" (בְּכוֹרָה), the birthright, which is central to the narrative (Genesis 27:5-10). 3. Jacob's Hesitation and Compliance Jacob expresses concern about deceiving his father, fearing a curse instead of a blessing. Rebekah reassures him, taking the curse upon herself, and Jacob complies with her plan. This moment underscores the tension between obedience and deceit (Genesis 27:11-14). 4. The Deceptive Blessing Disguised as Esau, Jacob brings the meal to Isaac. Despite his suspicions, Isaac is convinced by Jacob's voice and touch, ultimately bestowing the blessing meant for Esau upon Jacob. The Hebrew word "barak" (בָּרַךְ), meaning to bless, is pivotal here, as it signifies the transfer of divine favor (Genesis 27:15-29). 5. Esau's Anguish Esau returns to discover the deception and is heartbroken, pleading with Isaac for a blessing. Isaac acknowledges the irrevocable nature of the blessing given to Jacob, highlighting the permanence and power of spoken words in Hebrew culture (Genesis 27:30-38). 6. Esau's Resentment and Threat Esau harbors a grudge against Jacob, vowing to kill him after Isaac's death. This animosity sets the stage for future conflict and reflects the Hebrew concept of "sin'ah" (שִׂנְאָה), or hatred, which can lead to destructive actions (Genesis 27:39-41). 7. Rebekah's Intervention Learning of Esau's intentions, Rebekah advises Jacob to flee to her brother Laban in Haran until Esau's anger subsides. This decision underscores the theme of familial protection and the lengths to which Rebekah will go to safeguard Jacob (Genesis 27:42-45). 8. Isaac's Directive to Jacob Rebekah convinces Isaac to send Jacob away to find a wife from her family, framing it as a concern over marrying Canaanite women. Isaac agrees, further legitimizing Jacob's departure and aligning with the cultural emphasis on maintaining lineage purity (Genesis 27:46). Themes 1. Deception and TrickeryGenesis 27 highlights the theme of deception as Jacob, with the help of his mother Rebekah, deceives his father Isaac to receive the blessing meant for Esau. The Hebrew root word for deceive, "רָמָה" (ramah), underscores the intentional misleading involved in this act. The narrative illustrates the moral complexities and consequences of deceit within a family context. 2. Family Dynamics and Favoritism The chapter reveals the theme of family dynamics, particularly favoritism, as Isaac favors Esau while Rebekah favors Jacob. This favoritism sets the stage for the conflict and deception that unfolds. The Hebrew word "אָהַב" (ahav), meaning "to love," is used to describe Isaac's love for Esau, highlighting the partiality that influences the family's interactions. 3. The Power of Blessing The importance and irrevocability of a patriarchal blessing are central to this chapter. Isaac's blessing, once given to Jacob, cannot be retracted, illustrating the weight and spiritual significance of blessings in the Hebrew tradition. The Hebrew word "בְּרָכָה" (berakah) signifies a blessing, emphasizing its role as a divine favor and prophetic declaration. 4. Divine Providence and Human Agency The interplay between divine providence and human agency is evident as God's plan unfolds through human actions, even those involving deceit. Despite the moral failings of the characters, God's purposes are ultimately fulfilled, reflecting the theme of divine sovereignty. The Hebrew concept of "מַעֲשֶׂה" (ma'aseh), meaning "action" or "deed," underscores the human actions that contribute to the divine narrative. 5. Consequences of Sin The chapter also explores the theme of the consequences of sin, as Jacob's deception leads to familial strife and his eventual exile. The Hebrew word "חֵטְא" (chet), meaning "sin," is implicit in the narrative, highlighting the moral and relational fallout from deceitful actions. 6. Identity and Inheritance Identity and inheritance are key themes, as Jacob assumes Esau's identity to claim the firstborn's blessing. This act raises questions about identity, legitimacy, and the rights of inheritance. The Hebrew term "בְּכוֹרָה" (bekorah), meaning "birthright," is central to understanding the significance of the blessing and the inheritance rights at stake. Answering Tough Questions 1. How could Isaac be so easily deceived by Jacob’s voice and skin when blessing him (Genesis 27:21–22)? 2. Why would a just God honor a blessing obtained through deliberate deception (Genesis 27:28–29)? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the theme of deception play out in this chapter? How does it impact the characters involved? 2. Discuss the dynamic between Rebekah and her sons. How does favoritism affect the family relationship? 3. Explore the reasons behind Rebekah's manipulation. Was her action justified in any way? 4. How do you think Jacob felt when his mother insisted on deceiving his father? How would you handle a similar situation? 5. What does this chapter tell us about the importance of honesty within a family? How would you apply this lesson in your own life? 6. How does Isaac's reaction to the deception affect the relationship between Jacob and Esau? 7. How did Esau's reaction to the loss of his blessing shape his future actions? 8. Discuss the implications of Jacob's deceit from a moral standpoint. 9. How can we learn from Esau's despair and feelings of betrayal? 10. How does Rebekah's intervention to save Jacob reflect her role in the family? 11. How does this chapter speak to the potential consequences of deception? 12. Explore the concept of 'blessing' as depicted in this chapter. How is it significant? 13. Discuss the roles of faith and divine intervention in this chapter. 14. How would you handle feelings of betrayal if you were in Esau's position? 15. If you were in Jacob's position, would you have confessed the truth? Why or why not? 16. Discuss the ethical dilemma faced by Jacob in this chapter. 17. Explore the emotional aspects of this chapter - the fear, desperation, and eventual despair. 18. How can we relate the moral lessons from this chapter to present day situations? 19. How does the tension between Jacob and Esau reflect broader themes of sibling rivalry? 20. Why do you think Rebekah was against Esau's Hittite wives? What does this tell us about cultural relationships at the time? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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