Genesis 27:1-40

Jacob’s concern that he might bring a curse on himself suggests he may not have known about the Lord’s word to his mother (25:23). rebekah was the real instigator, willfully helping to deceive her own husband and son. Her failure to wait on God created great strife within the family and years of negative consequences for her favorite son.

27:1-4 | Although Jacob may not have known about the Lord’s word to Rebekah, Isaac did (25:23). By trying to reverse God’s expressed order for the blessing and confer it on Esau, Isaac rebelled. But God’s will cannot be thwarted. Rebekah and Isaac did what people often do: they failed to work in God’s way in spite of knowing God’s word. His work must be done His way.

27:13-29 | Rebekah’s conduct had a sad impact on Jacob: he became a deceiver, just like his mother. Jacob carried off the deception too well; his aged father was tricked by food, voice, touch, and smell. He also spoke lie upon lie. Deception rarely produces only sinful actions; lying words are almost always close behind. Isaac’s final words to Jacob on cursing and blessing echo God’s original promise to Abraham.

27:30-38 | Esau’s words after realizing he had lost the blessing - is he not rightly named Jacob? - demonstrate the significance of biblical names. Deathbed declarations could not be reversed or challenged. Once spoken, these blessings “lived,” so there was nothing the deceived Isaac could do. Esau’s desperation and bitterness is evident in statements such as Bless me - me also, O my father! and Have you not reserved a blessing for me?

27:36 | All too often people blame others for their actions. Even though Esau had voluntarily sold his birthright to Jacob, the older brother claimed Jacob took away his birthright and now his blessing. Esaug did receive a blessing; it was just not the principle blessing.