“And his mother said unto him, Upon me be thy curse, my son: only obey my voice, and go fetch me them.”
This verse is a part of the narrative in Genesis that recounts the events surrounding the blessing that was meant for Esau but was deceitfully obtained by Jacob, his younger twin brother, with the help of their mother, Rebekah.
In this specific verse, we witness a conversation between Jacob and his mother Rebekah. Jacob had been instructed by Rebekah to disguise himself as Esau, his older brother, in order to receive his father Isaac’s blessing. Isaac, who was blind and nearing the end of his life, intended to bless Esau before his passing.
Rebekah’s plan:Rebekah, recognizing that Jacob was favored by God and the rightful heir to the covenant promises given to Abraham, devised a plan to ensure Jacob received the blessing instead. In verse 13, Rebekah reassures Jacob and takes upon herself the responsibility for any potential curse resulting from their deception. She tells Jacob to obey her voice and fetch the necessary items to complete the disguise.
This verse highlights the complexity of the situation and the lengths to which Rebekah and Jacob were willing to go in order to secure the blessing. It also raises ethical questions regarding their methods, as they resorted to deceit and manipulation.
God’s sovereignty:While the actions of Rebekah and Jacob may be seen as questionable, it is essential to remember that God’s sovereignty is at work throughout this narrative. God had previously revealed to Rebekah that the older would serve the younger (Genesis 25:23), indicating His plan for Jacob to receive the blessing. However, Rebekah and Jacob took matters into their own hands, attempting to fulfill God’s promise through their own schemes.
The story of Jacob and Esau serves as a reminder that God’s purposes and plans will ultimately prevail, even in the midst of human failings and flawed actions. It also highlights the consequences of attempting to manipulate or control the fulfillment of God’s promises through deceitful means.
Reflection:In studying this verse, we can reflect on the importance of trusting in God’s timing and relying on His faithfulness rather than resorting to deceit and manipulation. It serves as a cautionary tale and reminds us to seek God’s guidance and submit to His will, trusting that His plans will unfold according to His perfect wisdom.
