“Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison.”
This verse is a part of the story of Jacob and Esau, twin brothers who had a complex relationship and significant roles in the history of Israel. To understand the context of Genesis 27:3, let’s explore the broader narrative leading up to this verse.
In Genesis 25, we learn that Isaac, the son of Abraham, married Rebekah. However, Rebekah was barren, and they prayed to the Lord for a child. God answered their prayers, and Rebekah conceived twins, who struggled within her womb. The Lord revealed to Rebekah that the two children would become two nations, with the older serving the younger. This prophecy already sets the stage for the eventual conflict between Jacob and Esau.
Genesis 25:29-34 tells the story of how Esau, being the firstborn, sold his birthright to Jacob in a moment of hunger. Esau, a skillful hunter, came back famished from the field and saw Jacob cooking a stew. Jacob used this opportunity to negotiate the birthright, and Esau, prioritizing his immediate hunger over his birthright, agreed to the exchange.
Genesis 27 then presents us with the pivotal moment in the story. Isaac, aging and knowing that his death is drawing near, desired to bless his firstborn son, Esau, before passing away. However, Rebekah overheard Isaac’s intentions and devised a plan to ensure that Jacob, her favourite son, would receive the blessing instead.
Genesis 27:1-2 sets the stage for the events of verse 3. Isaac calls Esau and asks him to prepare a meal of venison, his favourite food, after which Isaac intends to bless him. Rebekah, aware of the situation, immediately intervenes and instructs Jacob to obtain the blessing instead. In verse 3, Rebekah tells Jacob to take his weapons, quiver, and bow, and go out to the field to hunt game, specifically venison, so that he can present it as if he were Esau.
This verse highlights a key aspect of Esau’s identity as a skillful hunter and outdoorsman. He excelled in providing food for his family through hunting, and it was his hunting prowess that made Isaac desire to bless him. However, this verse also reveals Rebekah’s cunning plan to deceive Isaac and secure the blessing for Jacob.
As the story progresses, Jacob follows his mother’s instructions, successfully obtains the game, and with the help of his mother, disguises himself as Esau by wearing Esau’s clothes and covering his arms with animal skins. Isaac, who is now visually impaired due to old age, mistakes Jacob for Esau and blesses him instead.
The events that unfold after Genesis 27:3 reveal the consequences of the deception and the subsequent fallout between Jacob and Esau. When Esau learns about what transpired, he becomes furious and vows to kill Jacob once their father passes away. This conflict eventually leads to Jacob fleeing from his family and spending many years in exile before being reconciled with Esau later in the narrative.
In summary, Genesis 27:3 is a significant verse within the story of Jacob and Esau. It highlights Esau’s hunting abilities and the deception orchestrated by Rebekah to ensure that Jacob receives the blessing meant for the firstborn. The consequences of this deception have far-reaching effects, leading to conflict and eventual reconciliation between the two brothers.
