Then she handed her son Jacob the tasty food and bread she had made. Then she handedThis phrase marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, where Rebekah takes decisive action. The Hebrew root for "handed" is "nathan," which means to give or deliver. This act of giving is not just a physical transfer but a symbolic gesture of Rebekah's involvement in the fulfillment of the prophecy she received during her pregnancy ( Genesis 25:23). It underscores her belief in God's promise that the older will serve the younger, and her willingness to take bold steps to see it realized. her son Jacob
The identification of Jacob as "her son" highlights the close relationship between Rebekah and Jacob. In the Hebrew culture, family ties were paramount, and the maternal bond was especially significant. This phrase also sets the stage for the unfolding of Jacob's destiny, as he is about to receive the blessing intended for Esau. The name "Jacob" means "supplanter" or "heel-grabber," foreshadowing his role in this narrative and his future struggles and triumphs. the tasty food
The Hebrew word for "tasty" is "mat'am," which refers to savory or delicious food. This detail emphasizes the sensory appeal of the meal, crafted to deceive Isaac into believing it was prepared by Esau. The preparation of such food reflects Rebekah's cunning and resourcefulness, as she uses her culinary skills to influence the outcome of the blessing. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of food in biblical narratives, often used to convey deeper spiritual truths and human interactions. and bread
Bread, in the ancient Near Eastern context, was a staple of the diet and a symbol of sustenance and life. The inclusion of bread in the meal signifies completeness and hospitality. In biblical symbolism, bread often represents God's provision and blessing, as seen in the manna provided to the Israelites in the wilderness and later in the New Testament with Jesus as the "bread of life" (John 6:35). Here, it underscores the gravity of the blessing Jacob is about to receive, one that will sustain him and his descendants. she had made
This phrase highlights Rebekah's active role in the unfolding events. The Hebrew verb "asah" means to make or do, indicating her initiative and involvement. Rebekah's actions are driven by her understanding of God's will and her desire to see it fulfilled through Jacob. Her making of the meal is an act of faith, albeit one that involves deception, reflecting the complex interplay of human agency and divine sovereignty in the biblical narrative. Persons / Places / Events 1. RebekahThe wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob. She orchestrates the plan for Jacob to receive Isaac's blessing instead of Esau. 2. JacobThe younger son of Isaac and Rebekah, who is chosen by God to carry on the Abrahamic covenant. He is involved in deceiving his father to receive the blessing. 3. IsaacThe father of Esau and Jacob, who intends to bless Esau but is deceived by Jacob and Rebekah. 4. EsauThe elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, who is expected to receive the blessing but is ultimately deceived. 5. The Tasty Food and BreadRepresents the means by which Rebekah and Jacob deceive Isaac, highlighting the theme of deception and manipulation. Teaching Points The Consequences of DeceptionDeception, even with good intentions, leads to broken relationships and long-term consequences. Rebekah and Jacob's actions resulted in family strife and separation. God's Sovereignty and Human ActionsWhile human actions can be flawed, God's sovereign plan prevails. Jacob's deception did not thwart God's purpose but fulfilled His prophecy. The Importance of Spiritual DiscernmentIsaac's physical blindness symbolizes a lack of spiritual discernment. Believers are encouraged to seek God's wisdom to discern truth from deception. The Value of Spiritual BlessingsThe account underscores the importance of valuing spiritual blessings over immediate gratification, as seen in Esau's earlier decision to sell his birthright. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the relationship between Rebekah and Jacob in this passage reflect the dynamics of family influence and responsibility? 2. In what ways does the account of Jacob and Esau challenge us to consider the long-term impact of our decisions? 3. How can we apply the lesson of valuing spiritual blessings in our daily lives, especially in a culture that often prioritizes material gain? 4. What steps can we take to develop spiritual discernment to avoid deception in our own lives? 5. How does understanding God's sovereignty in the account of Jacob and Esau provide comfort and assurance in our personal walk with God? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 25:23This verse foretells the struggle between Esau and Jacob, indicating that the older will serve the younger, setting the stage for the events in Genesis 27. Hebrews 12:16-17Reflects on Esau's loss of the blessing, warning against godlessness and valuing spiritual inheritance. Romans 9:10-13Discusses God's sovereign choice in electing Jacob over Esau, emphasizing divine purpose over human actions. People Esau, Haran, Heth, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, RebekahPlaces Beersheba, HaranTopics Bread, Dishes, Giveth, Jacob, Meat, Prepared, Ready, Savory, Savoury, Tasteful, TastyDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 27:17 4418 bread
5187 taste Genesis 27:1-25 4438 eating Genesis 27:1-29 5095 Jacob, life Genesis 27:3-19 5268 cooking Genesis 27:5-17 5719 mothers, responsibilities Genesis 27:5-19 5920 pretence Genesis 27:6-29 8716 dishonesty, examples Library There is a Great Question About Lying, which Often Arises in the Midst Of...
1. There is a great question about Lying, which often arises in the midst of our every day business, and gives us much trouble, that we may not either rashly call that a lie which is not such, or decide that it is sometimes right to tell a lie, that is, a kind of honest, well-meant, charitable lie. This question we will painfully discuss by seeking with them that seek: whether to any good purpose, we need not take upon ourselves to affirm, for the attentive reader will sufficiently gather from the …
St. Augustine—On LyingEpistle Lii. To Natalis, Bishop .
To Natalis, Bishop [1463] . Gregory to Natalis, Bishop of Salona. As though forgetting the tenour of former letters, I had determined to say nothing to your Blessedness but what should savour of sweetness: but, now that in your epistle you have recurred in the way of argumentation to preceding letters, I am once more compelled to say perhaps some things that I had rather not have said. For in defence of feasts your Fraternity mentions the feast of Abraham, in which by the testimony of Holy Scripture …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
Ver. 8. "Judah, thou, thy brethren shall praise thee; thy hand shall be on the neck of thine enemies; before thee shall bow down the sons of thy father. Ver. 9. A lion's whelp is Judah; from the prey, my son, thou goest up; he stoopeth down, he coucheth as a lion, and as a full-grown lion, who shall rouse him up? Ver. 10. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come, and unto Him the people shall adhere." Thus does dying Jacob, in announcing …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Letter xxxv. From Pope Damasus.
Damasus addresses five questions to Jerome with a request for information concerning them. They are: 1. What is the meaning of the words "Whosoever slayeth Cain vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold"? (Gen. iv. 5.) 2. If God has made all things good, how comes it that He gives charge to Noah concerning unclean animals, and says to Peter, "What God hath cleansed that call not thou common"? (Acts x. 15.) 3. How is Gen. xv. 16, "in the fourth generation they shall come hither again," to be reconciled …
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome Touching Jacob, However, that which He did at his Mother's Bidding...
24. Touching Jacob, however, that which he did at his mother's bidding, so as to seem to deceive his father, if with diligence and in faith it be attended to, is no lie, but a mystery. The which if we shall call lies, all parables also, and figures designed for the signifying of any things soever, which are not to be taken according to their proper meaning, but in them is one thing to be understood from another, shall be said to be lies: which be far from us altogether. For he who thinks this, may …
St. Augustine—Against Lying Conflict.
"Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against themselves, that ye …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews First Withdrawal from Herod's Territory and Return.
(Spring, a.d. 29.) Subdivision C. The Twelve Try to Row Back. Jesus Walks Upon the Water. ^A Matt. XIV. 22-36; ^B Mark VI. 45-56; ^D John VI. 15-21. ^d 15 Jesus therefore perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain himself alone. [Jesus had descended to the plain to feed the multitude, but, perceiving this mistaken desire of the people, he frustrated it by dismissing his disciples and retiring by himself into the mountain.] ^a …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 27:17 NIVGenesis 27:17 NLTGenesis 27:17 ESVGenesis 27:17 NASBGenesis 27:17 KJV
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