“And Isaac said unto his son, How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son? And he said, Because the LORD thy God brought it to me.”
This verse is part of the account of the deception that took place between Isaac, his wife Rebekah, and their sons Jacob and Esau. Isaac, who was old and blind, intended to bless his elder son Esau before his death. However, Rebekah, favouring Jacob, devised a plan to deceive Isaac and secure the blessing for Jacob instead.
In this particular verse, Isaac, who was under the impression that he was speaking to Esau, expressed surprise at how quickly the game Esau had hunted was prepared for him. He questioned Esau, asking how he managed to accomplish the task so rapidly. Esau, unaware of the deception, responded by saying that it was because “the LORD thy God brought it to me.”
Upon a closer examination of this verse, several important aspects can be noted:
- Deception:This verse is part of a larger narrative that highlights the deception within Isaac’s family. Rebekah and Jacob conspired to deceive Isaac, not only by disguising Jacob as Esau but also by preparing a meal that imitated Esau’s hunting skills. The entire episode reflects the consequences of dishonesty and the breakdown of trust within a family.
- Divine Sovereignty:While Esau’s response might seem puzzling, it indicates that he attributed his success in hunting to God’s intervention. Despite the deceitful nature of the situation, Esau acknowledged God’s role in his provision. This highlights the belief in God’s sovereignty and the acknowledgment that all blessings ultimately come from Him, regardless of the circumstances or motivations of those involved.
- Irony:There is a certain irony in Esau’s words, as he unknowingly attributes the provision of the game to the Lord, while he himself is being deceived in order to secure the blessing that rightfully belonged to him as the firstborn. This irony emphasises the consequences of deception and the unintended outcomes that can result from our actions.
Genesis 27:20 serves as a pivotal verse in the larger narrative of Jacob and Esau, highlighting the themes of deception, divine sovereignty, and the consequences of dishonesty. It reminds us of the importance of truthfulness, trust, and recognising God’s sovereignty in our lives, even in the midst of challenging and morally ambiguous situations.
