Genesis 28:6

“When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, and sent him away to Padanaram, to take him a wife from thence; and that as he blessed him he gave him a charge, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan.”

Context: Genesis 28:6 is part of the narrative surrounding Jacob and Esau, the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah. Esau was the older son, but he sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew, and Jacob received his father’s blessing meant for the firstborn. As a result, Esau was filled with anger and planned to kill Jacob. In response, Rebekah advised Jacob to flee to her brother Laban’s house in Padanaram, both for his safety and to find a wife from among their own relatives.

Key Points:

• Isaac’s Blessing: Isaac, Jacob and Esau’s father, blessed Jacob and sent him away to Padanaram. This blessing was a significant event in the biblical narrative, as it marked the transfer of the Abrahamic covenant from Isaac to Jacob. Isaac pronounced blessings on Jacob, including the promise of the land and descendants. This blessing was meant to reaffirm God’s covenant with Jacob and ensure his future prosperity.
• Choosing a Wife: Isaac instructed Jacob not to take a wife from among the Canaanite women. This directive was significant because the Canaanites were idolatrous and worshipped false gods, which would have been contrary to the faith of Abraham’s descendants. Isaac wanted to ensure that Jacob married a woman who shared his faith and heritage, so he instructed him to find a wife from their own relatives in Padanaram.
• Importance of Marriage within the Faith: The instruction given by Isaac emphasizes the importance of marriage within the context of faith and heritage. Throughout the Bible, there is a consistent emphasis on the need for God’s people to marry individuals who share their faith and values. This principle serves to protect the spiritual well-being of believers and ensure the preservation of God’s covenant and the purity of worship.

Cultural and Historical Context: The practice of marrying within one’s own clan or tribe was common in ancient Near Eastern cultures. This ensured the preservation of family ties, traditions, and inheritance. Marrying outside the tribe or clan often involved the risk of adopting foreign customs, beliefs, and practices that were incompatible with the worship of the one true God. Isaac’s instruction to Jacob reflects the cultural and religious norms of the time.

Lessons and Application:

• God’s Covenant Faithfulness: The episode of Jacob receiving the blessing and Isaac’s instruction highlights God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises. Despite Jacob’s deceptive actions, God continued to work through him to fulfill His plan for the nation of Israel. This reminds us that God’s grace and faithfulness are not dependent on our merits or flawless character but on His sovereign purpose.
• Choosing Godly Relationships: The principle of marrying within the faith extends beyond marriage itself. It encourages believers to seek godly relationships and companionship in all areas of life. When we surround ourselves with people who share our faith and values, it becomes easier to live out our commitment to God and grow in our relationship with Him.
• Discerning God’s Will: Jacob’s journey to Padanaram was a pivotal moment in his life. It was during this time that Jacob had a dream of a ladder reaching into heaven, with angels ascending and descending, and God spoke to him, reaffirming the covenant made with Abraham and Isaac. This event revealed God’s presence and guidance in Jacob’s
• Likewise, we should seek God’s guidance and discern His will through prayer and seeking His Word when faced with important decisions.
• God’s Redemption and Restoration: Despite the complex and flawed nature of the characters in this narrative, God’s redemptive plan is evident. Through Jacob’s journey, God transformed him into the patriarch of the twelve tribes of Israel. God can take our brokenness, mistakes, and imperfect circumstances and work them together for His ultimate purposes.

In conclusion, Genesis 28:6 highlights the transfer of Isaac’s blessing to Jacob and the instruction to find a wife from among their own relatives. This passage underscores the importance of maintaining faith and heritage in relationships and serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises.