Genesis 27
Jacob Steals the Blessing
Overview
Jacob deceives his father Isaac to steal Esau's blessing. The deception causes lasting family division and forces Jacob to flee.
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Introduction
Genesis 27 records one of the most significant acts of deception in the Bible, as Jacob disguises himself as Esau to steal the patriarchal blessing from his elderly, blind father.
The Deception
[1-29] Jacob, coached by Rebekah, deceives Isaac:
- [1-4] Isaac, old and blind, called Esau to hunt game and prepare a meal so he could bless him.
- [6-10] Rebekah overheard and instructed Jacob to bring two goats so she could prepare the meal.
- [11-17] Jacob objected that his skin was smooth unlike hairy Esau. Rebekah dressed Jacob in Esau's clothes and covered his hands and neck with goatskins.
- [18-24] Jacob went to Isaac. When asked "Who are you, my son?" Jacob answered, "I am Esau your firstborn." When Isaac asked how he found game so quickly, Jacob replied, "The LORD your God gave me success."
- [27-29] Isaac blessed Jacob with the dew of heaven, the fatness of the earth, and dominion over his brothers.
Esau's Devastation
[30-41] Esau discovers the deception:
- [34] When Esau heard his father's words, he burst out with a loud and bitter cry: "Bless me—me too, my father!"
- [36] Esau said, "He has deceived me these two times: He took my birthright, and now he's taken my blessing!"
- [41] Esau held a grudge against Jacob and planned to kill him after Isaac's death.
What This Tells Us About Jacob's Faith
Jacob's deception reveals a faith still in its early stages:
- Fear Overrode Faith: Instead of trusting God's prophecy that the older would serve the younger, Jacob used manipulation.
- Direct Lies: Jacob lied about his identity and even invoked God's name in the deception.
- Involving God Dishonestly: When asked how he got the game quickly, Jacob falsely claimed God's help.
- Consequences: Jacob had to flee and wouldn't see his mother again.
Key Takeaways
- Deception Has Consequences: Jacob's actions fractured the family.
- God's Purposes Don't Require Our Sin: God had already promised Jacob would prevail—the deception was unnecessary.
- Patterns of Sin: The deceiver Jacob would later be deceived by Laban.
- God Still Works: Despite human sin, God's plan moved forward.