GENESIS 27
When Isaac was old and his eyes were dim so that he could not see, he called Esau his older son and said to him, “My son”; and he answered, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “Behold, I am old; I do not know the day of my death. 3 Now then, take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me, 4 and prepare for me delicious food, such as I love, and bring it to me so that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die.” 5 Now Rebekah was listening when Isaac spoke to his son Esau. So when Esau went to the field to hunt for game and bring it, 6 Rebekah said to her son Jacob, “I heard your father speak to your brother Esau, 7 ‘Bring me game and prepare for me delicious food, that I may eat it and bless you before the Lord before I die.’ 8 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice as I command you. 9 Go to the flock and bring me two good young goats, so that I may prepare from them delicious food for your father, such as he loves. 10 And you shall bring it to your father to eat, so that he may bless you before he dies.” – Genesis 27:1-10
GENESIS 27 REBEKAH PLOTS TO DECEIVE ISAAC
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
As Isaac grew old and faint in seeing, he called Esau, his firstborn
He wanted to prepare when he dies so he can give him his blessing
But Rebekah hears this conversation and plots to deceive Isaac
She called her favored son, Jacob and told him to listen to her plan
Rebekah told him to go to their flock and get her two good goats
She will cook her husband’s favorite dish so Jacob can get blessed.
This deceptive plot of Rebekah seems evil but the deception was allowed by God in order for Jacob to get that blessing that is usually given to the eldest son. But in Genesis 25:23, God revealed to Rebekah that the older will serve the younger. Apparently, she kept this revelation to herself all those years. So, she knew that Jacob, the younger of the twins is the one favored by God. Without God’s revelation, we can view Rebekah’s deception as evil, but if you consider God’s revelation, you would see it differently. Maybe this is why Jacob was her favorite and if we look back to Genesis 26:34, we clearly see how Esau broke the covenant promise of Abraham by getting two Hittite wives much later in life.
REFLECTION
- How do you view Rebekah’s deceptive plot to steal Esau’s blessing?
