Genesis 27 recounts the events surrounding Isaac’s intention to bless his eldest son, Esau, before his death. Isaac, who was old and blind, requested Esau to hunt and prepare a savory meal for him, after which he would bless him. However, Rebekah, Isaac’s wife, overheard their conversation and devised a plan to secure the blessing for their younger son, Jacob, whom she favored.
Rebekah instructed Jacob to disguise himself as Esau by wearing Esau’s clothes and covering his hands and neck with goatskins. She also prepared a meal for Jacob to present to Isaac. Jacob, though hesitant, followed his mother’s instructions. When he approached Isaac, pretending to be Esau, Isaac noticed the discrepancy in his voice but was convinced by the physical attributes.
Isaac proceeded to bless Jacob, bestowing upon him the abundance of the earth, rulership over his brothers, and the blessings of prosperity. As Jacob left, Esau returned with his own prepared meal for Isaac. Upon discovering the deceit, Isaac trembled, and Esau pleaded for a blessing as well. Though Isaac couldn’t revoke the blessing given to Jacob, he blessed Esau with earthly abundance and predicted his eventual freedom from Jacob’s dominion.
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