Genesis 27:1-46 Deception

In the ancient world, it was customary for a father in his old age to pronounce a special blessing to his children. The firstborn son received a special blessing because he was the oldest.

This practice plays an important part in the unfolding of Genesis 27. Jacob and Esau were twins, but Esau was the firstborn (Gen 25:25) and would receive the special blessing from his father, Isaac.

When Isaac became old, he called his wife and sons announcing to them that he was about to pronounce the blessing. He told them to prepare the savory food that he liked so that he could eat it prior to giving the blessing.

When Esau went to the field to catch some game, Isaac and his mother devised a deceptive plan. Since Isaac was nearly blind, they decided that Jacob should come to him pretending to be Esau. Since Esau was hairy, they put an animal skin on Jacobs hands, so Isaac would think that Esau was there.

Rebekah quickly prepared a savory dish from one of the kids of the flock. Then Jacob put the skins on his hands and approached his father to receive the blessing.

Wondering whether Jacob was speaking to him, Isaac asked to feel the hairy arms. Feeling the hairy skins, smelling the aroma of the skins and the smell of the field, he wrongly blessed Jacob.

“Now may God give you of the dew of heaven and of the fatness of the earth, and an abundance of grain and new wine; May peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you, Be master of your brothers and may your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be those who curse you, and blessed be those who bless you” (27:28-29).

At that point, Esau burst into the room and learned what had just happened. He cried out to his father asking for the blessing. It was too late. Isaac had already delivered the blessing; Esau would serve his brother Jacob.

Esau wept greatly, and Isaac pronounced a second blessing. However, the first blessing could not be undone. Esau had lost his blessing just as he had lost his birthright earlier (25:27-34).

As a result, Esau held a grudge against Jacob and determined to kill him. Fearing that Jacob would lose his wife, Rebekah sent him to live with her brother Laban until Esau’s anger would subside.

This passage teaches us three important truths. First, it is wrong to deceive. What Jacob did was not right, and he should not have stolen the blessing from his brother.

Second, the deception brought great harm to the family. Esau held a grudge against, his brother, Jacob feared for his life, and Rebekah had to split up the family in order to prevent a murder. Sin always has consequences, many of which can be quite severe. Oftentimes we could avoid the great troubles we experience in life if we would refrain from sin.

Finally, the Lord was extremely gracious to Jacob even though he had deceived his brother. The Lord did not take Jacob’s life. Rather, he greatly blessed him. He brought about all the provisions of the blessing Isaac pronounced.

The next time we are tempted to sin, we should recall the account of Jacob and Esau. When Jacob deceived his father, he committed a great sin. He never should have done it. His brother hated him for it. We should reflect on the tremendous harm sin can bring.

In addition, we must always recall that God is a gracious God who loves us and continues to bless us even though we are sinners. He wants us to live holy lives and refrain from sinning to any degree. However, when we do sin, His grace is greater than all of our sins.

Are you thinking about continuing in a certain sin? Don’t do it. Are you weary over a past sin? Confess that sin to the Lord and know that He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 2:9).