“Bring me venison, and make me savory meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before the Lord before my death.”
Context:Genesis 27 records the events surrounding the deception of Isaac by his sons, Jacob and Esau. Isaac, who was old and blind, intended to bless his firstborn son, Esau, before his impending death. However, Jacob and his mother, Rebekah, devised a plan to deceive Isaac and secure the blessing for Jacob instead.
God’s Promise:In Genesis 25:23, when Rebekah was pregnant with Jacob and Esau, God revealed to her that the older would serve the younger. This divine prophecy indicated that Jacob was chosen by God to carry on the covenant blessings given to Abraham and Isaac, despite societal norms favouring the firstborn.
Isaac’s Request:Isaac, unaware of God’s plan, believed it was time to pass on the blessing to his eldest son, Esau. In Genesis 27:3-4, Isaac asked Esau to prepare a meal of venison, his favourite food, so that he could bless him. Isaac intended to bestow his final blessings, including a special prayer for fertility and prosperity, upon Esau.
Rebekah’s Deception:Rebekah overheard Isaac’s conversation with Esau and realised it was an opportunity to fulfill God’s prophecy. She instructed Jacob to deceive Isaac by pretending to be Esau and bringing him a meal of venison. Rebekah prepared the meal, dressed Jacob in Esau’s clothes, and covered his hands and neck with animal skins to simulate Esau’s hairy appearance.
Jacob’s Reluctance:Although Jacob initially hesitated to deceive his father, Rebekah convinced him by assuring him of her responsibility if anything went wrong. Jacob ultimately went along with the plan, bringing the prepared meal to his father.
Lessons and Reflections:
- God’s sovereignty:The story highlights God’s sovereignty in choosing Jacob as the recipient of the blessing, despite human expectations and societal norms. It reminds us that God’s plans and purposes may not align with our human understanding, and His will prevails.
- Deception and consequences:The events in Genesis 27 reveal the consequences of deception and manipulation. While God used this situation to accomplish His purposes, it resulted in strained relationships, family conflicts, and years of separation between Jacob and Esau.
- Trusting God’s timing:Rebekah and Jacob’s actions demonstrate a lack of trust in God’s timing and ability to fulfill His promises. Rather than waiting for God’s plan to unfold, they sought to manipulate the situation. This serves as a reminder to trust in God’s faithfulness and His ability to fulfill His promises in His own time.
- Honouring parents:Although Isaac’s blessing was intended for Esau, it is important to note the significance of honouring parents and respecting their authority. Rebekah and Jacob’s actions, motivated by God’s plan, should not be seen as a justification for deception or disobedience.
This study of Genesis 27:7 helps us understand the events leading to Jacob’s deception of Isaac. It provides lessons about God’s sovereignty, the consequences of deception, the importance of trusting God’s timing, and the significance of honouring parents. It reminds us to seek God’s will and trust in His faithfulness, even when circumstances seem uncertain.
