“And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the LORD hath blessed.”
This verse captures a significant moment in the story when Jacob, pretending to be Esau, approaches his father Isaac. Let’s explore the context and the deeper meaning of this verse.
In the preceding verses, Rebekah, Jacob’s mother, devises a plan to deceive Isaac and secure the blessing for Jacob. Rebekah instructs Jacob to bring two young goats, which she prepares as a meal for Isaac, imitating Esau’s favoured game. Jacob also puts on Esau’s clothes and covers his hands and neck with animal skins to simulate Esau’s hairy appearance.
When Jacob approaches Isaac, the aging patriarch senses something amiss. His voice sounds like Jacob’s, but his hands feel hairy like Esau’s. However, the sense of smell becomes a crucial factor in Isaac’s decision. As he draws near and kisses Jacob, he detects the aroma of Esau’s clothing, which carries the scent of the outdoors, reminiscent of a field blessed by the Lord.
Isaac’s sense of smell plays a symbolic role in this narrative. Smell often conveys an association with purity, blessing, and life. In this case, Isaac perceives the smell of the field as the aroma of divine favour, representing God’s blessing. This olfactory experience seems to confirm Isaac’s belief that he is indeed blessing Esau, his favoured son.
There are a few noteworthy elements to consider in this verse:
- Deception and Consequences:Genesis 27 reveals the grave consequences of Jacob and Rebekah’s deception. Although Jacob eventually receives the blessing, the deceit sows discord and leads to a strained relationship between Jacob and Esau. It demonstrates the importance of honesty and integrity in our actions.
- God’s Sovereignty:Despite the deception, God’s sovereign plan remains in motion. In Genesis 25:23, God had revealed to Rebekah that the older would serve the younger, indicating that Jacob would play a significant role in His divine purposes. While the means Jacob employs to receive the blessing are questionable, God’s plan ultimately unfolds through him.
- Blessings and Divine Favour:Isaac’s blessing carries immense significance in the biblical narrative, as it holds the potential for prosperity, leadership, and the passing down of the covenant promises. Although obtained deceitfully, the blessing Jacob receives foreshadows the fulfilment of God’s promises to Abraham and demonstrates His faithfulness, despite human shortcomings.
In summary, Genesis 27:27 portrays a critical moment of deception and the use of sensory cues, particularly smell, to affirm Isaac’s decision to bless Jacob. This verse reminds us of the consequences of deceitful actions while showcasing God’s ability to work through imperfect circumstances to accomplish His purposes.
