Genesis 27:17

And she gaue the sauoury meate, and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her sonne Iacob. Genesis 27:17 (KJV)

“And Rebekah heard when Isaac spoke to Jacob her son, and said, ‘Behold, I have prepared savory meat for your brother, that he may eat, that he may bring forth some wine.’” This verse is part of the account of Jacob deceiving his father, Isaac, in order to receive the blessing intended for his older brother, Esau. To fully understand the significance of this verse, let’s examine the context and the key themes present in this passage.

Context: In Genesis 27, we find Isaac, who is old and blind, preparing to bless his son Esau. However, Jacob, under the influence of his mother Rebekah, devises a plan to deceive his father and receive the blessing instead. Rebekah prepares a delicious meal for Isaac, and Jacob, wearing Esau’s clothing, presents himself before his father, pretending to be Esau.

Deception: This passage highlights the theme of deception. Jacob, with his mother’s help, disguises himself as Esau to trick his father into giving him the blessing. This act of deception will have significant consequences for Jacob and his family.

Blessing: The concept of the blessing is central to this passage. In ancient times, a father’s blessing held great significance, as it determined the inheritance and future prosperity of the recipient. Jacob, desiring this blessing, goes to great lengths to secure it.

Obedience and Trust: This passage raises questions about obedience and trust in God’s plan. Rebekah was aware of God’s promise that Jacob would be blessed (Genesis 25:23), but instead of waiting for God’s timing, she chose to act through deception. This decision led to a chain of events with far‑reaching consequences.

Lessons and Application:

Honesty and Integrity: This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity in our lives. Jacob’s actions may have brought him temporary gain, but they also led to years of separation and strife within his family. We should strive to be honest and trustworthy, even when faced with difficult circumstances.

Trusting in God’s Promises: Rebekah’s choice to use deception rather than trusting God’s method demonstrates the danger of taking matters into our own hands. We should have faith in God’s timing and trust that His promises will be fulfilled in His way and in His time.

Consequences of Deception: The consequences of Jacob’s deception are significant. His relationship with Esau is damaged, and he is forced to flee his home. This serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences that can arise from deceitful actions. We should always strive to live in truth and seek reconciliation when our actions have caused harm.

In summary, Genesis 27:17 depicts Rebekah providing Jacob with a savoury meal to present to Isaac, as part of their plan to deceive Isaac and receive the blessing. This verse highlights themes of deception, the significance of blessings, and the importance of honesty and trust in God’s plan. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences that can arise from deceitful actions.