How does Genesis 27:11 illustrate Jacob's obedience to his mother's plan? Setting the Scene Isaac, aged and nearly blind, is ready to bless Esau (Genesis 27:1–4). Rebekah overhears, summons Jacob, and outlines a plan to secure the blessing for him instead (27:5–10). Genesis 27:11 records Jacob’s first words after hearing his mother’s instructions. Verse at the Center “Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, ‘Look, my brother Esau is a hairy man, but I am smooth-skinned.’” (Genesis 27:11) Observations on Jacob’s Response • Respectful address: “Rebekah his mother” underscores a family hierarchy he acknowledges. • No moral protest: Jacob does not object to the deception itself; he only notes a practical obstacle. • Immediate engagement: His first reaction is problem-solving—how to make the plan work without detection. • Dependence on his mother: By raising the issue to her, he implicitly relies on her to resolve it (cf. 27:13). How the Verse Illustrates Jacob’s Obedience • Acceptance of authority – He treats Rebekah’s instruction as a directive, not a suggestion. • Willing participation – His concern is “I’m smooth-skinned,” not “This is wrong.” That shows readiness to comply once the practical hurdle is cleared. • Alignment of priorities – Securing the blessing takes precedence over his personal comfort or risk. • Swift cooperation – The narrative moves directly from her command (v. 10) to his compliance (v. 11) with no delay described. Supporting Scriptural Witness • Proverbs 1:8: “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.” • Ephesians 6:1: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” • Deuteronomy 5:16: Honoring parents carries promise, a principle Jacob acts on, even though the method is flawed. Lessons for Believers Today • Obedience to parental guidance is a biblical expectation; Jacob models it, though imperfectly. • Obedience does not cancel accountability; later consequences (Genesis 27:41–45) reveal that even obedient choices must align with God’s righteousness. • God’s sovereignty works through human actions—both upright and flawed—to accomplish His declared purposes (Genesis 25:23; Romans 9:10–13). |
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