What is the meaning of Genesis 27:6? Rebekah said • Scripture presents Rebekah as a decisive woman who moves the narrative forward. Having already received the oracle that “the older shall serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23), she now speaks to ensure that Jacob—God’s chosen heir—receives the blessing. • Her words mark the turning point between Isaac’s private intent and the family-wide drama that follows, much like when Sarah intervened in Genesis 21:10 to secure God’s promise for Isaac. • The text records her speech as factual history; every detail prepares us for the blessing scene that will shape Israel’s future (Hebrews 11:20). to her son Jacob • Rebekah targets Jacob, not Esau, because “Isaac loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob” (Genesis 25:28). The favoritism in the household is now on full display. • Jacob’s character—already seen bargaining for the birthright in Genesis 25:31-33—finds encouragement in his mother’s plan. • Like the mentoring of Moses by Jochebed (Exodus 2:2-3), Rebekah’s guidance shapes the destiny of the one God will use. Behold • “Behold” grabs Jacob’s attention; it is the verbal equivalent of pulling him aside for an urgent briefing. • The word often introduces significant, God-directed moments, as when the angel said, “Behold, I bring you good news” (Luke 2:10). • Its placement signals that what follows will alter the course of blessing and covenant. I overheard your father saying • Rebekah’s knowledge comes from overhearing, not direct participation, reminiscent of Sarah overhearing the promise in Genesis 18:10-12. • Isaac’s intention to bless Esau “before the LORD” (Genesis 27:7) shows the solemnity of the act; once spoken, the blessing is irrevocable (Numbers 23:20). • Words carry covenant weight: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). Rebekah’s alertness prevents an outcome contrary to God’s earlier revelation. to your brother Esau • Esau remains the firstborn in Isaac’s eyes, yet he had already “despised his birthright” (Genesis 25:34). The conflict between human custom and divine choice is at its height. • This sibling tension foreshadows later struggles: Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 37:4), David and his brothers (1 Samuel 17:28). • Rebekah’s message underscores that Isaac intends a unilateral blessing; without intervention, Esau would receive what God had assigned to Jacob. summary Genesis 27:6 records Rebekah’s pivotal disclosure to Jacob, revealing Isaac’s private plan to bless Esau. Each phrase unveils a layer of family dynamics—Rebekah’s decisive speech, her focused appeal to Jacob, the urgency of “Behold,” the critical knowledge gained by overhearing, and Esau’s looming reception of the blessing. Together they show God’s sovereignty working through imperfect people to fulfill His unchanging promise that the older would serve the younger. |
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