Genesis 27:28
May God give to you the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth--an abundance of grain and new wine.
May God give to you
This phrase is a blessing, invoking the divine favor of God upon the recipient. The Hebrew word for "God" here is "Elohim," which emphasizes God's power and sovereignty. In the context of the patriarchal blessings, it underscores the belief that all blessings ultimately come from God. The act of giving is central to the covenant relationship between God and His people, where God is the provider and sustainer.

the dew of heaven
"Dew" in the ancient Near Eastern context was crucial for agriculture, especially in arid regions where rain was scarce. The Hebrew word "tal" signifies not just physical sustenance but also spiritual refreshment and divine favor. Dew is often seen as a symbol of God's grace, gently and consistently providing life-giving moisture. In a broader sense, it represents the subtle yet essential blessings that sustain life.

and the richness of the earth
The "richness" or "fatness" of the earth, from the Hebrew "mishman," refers to the fertility and productivity of the land. This phrase highlights the abundance and prosperity that come from the earth's resources, which are seen as a direct blessing from God. In the biblical worldview, the earth's bounty is a testament to God's provision and faithfulness to His promises.

an abundance of grain
Grain, particularly wheat and barley, was a staple in the ancient diet and a symbol of sustenance and prosperity. The Hebrew word "dagan" for grain signifies not just physical nourishment but also economic stability and blessing. In the context of this blessing, it reflects a life of plenty and security, where the basic needs are met abundantly.

and new wine
"New wine," from the Hebrew "tirosh," represents joy, celebration, and the fruitfulness of the vine. Wine is often associated with gladness and festivity in the Bible, symbolizing the joy that comes from God's blessings. The mention of "new wine" suggests a fresh, ongoing provision and the renewal of life and spirit. It is a reminder of the joy and abundance that God desires for His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Isaac
The patriarch who is giving the blessing to his son. He is the son of Abraham and Sarah, and the father of Esau and Jacob.

2. Jacob
The younger son of Isaac and Rebekah, who receives the blessing intended for his brother Esau through deception.

3. Esau
The elder son of Isaac, who is entitled to the blessing by birthright but is deceived by his brother Jacob.

4. Rebekah
The wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob, who orchestrates the deception for Jacob to receive the blessing.

5. Canaan
The land where these events take place, which is significant as the Promised Land for the descendants of Abraham.
Teaching Points
The Power of Blessing
The spoken blessing carries significant weight and authority, reflecting the belief in the power of words and God's promises.

God's Provision
The "dew of heaven" and "richness of the earth" symbolize God's provision and abundance, reminding believers to trust in God's ability to provide for their needs.

The Role of Deception
Jacob's acquisition of the blessing through deception raises questions about integrity and the consequences of deceit, encouraging believers to seek God's will through honest means.

Divine Sovereignty
Despite human actions and intentions, God's sovereign plan unfolds, as seen in Jacob receiving the blessing, which aligns with God's earlier prophecy to Rebekah.

Generational Impact
The blessings and actions of one generation can have lasting effects on future generations, urging believers to consider the legacy they are leaving.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the blessing Isaac gives to Jacob reflect God's promises to Abraham, and what does this teach us about the continuity of God's covenant?

2. In what ways can we see God's provision in our own lives, similar to the "dew of heaven" and "richness of the earth" mentioned in this verse?

3. How does the account of Jacob and Esau challenge us to consider the ethical implications of our actions, especially when seeking God's blessings?

4. What can we learn from Isaac's faith in blessing his sons about trusting God's plan, even when circumstances seem uncertain or contrary to our expectations?

5. How can we ensure that the blessings and values we pass on to future generations align with God's will and purpose?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 12:2-3
God's promise to Abraham about blessing his descendants, which sets the stage for the blessings passed down through Isaac to Jacob.

Hebrews 11:20
This verse highlights the faith of Isaac in blessing Jacob and Esau concerning things to come, showing the importance of the blessing.

Deuteronomy 33:13-16
Moses' blessing to Joseph, which also speaks of the "dew of heaven" and the "richness of the earth," echoing the themes of abundance and divine favor.

Psalm 133:3
The dew of Hermon is likened to the blessing of unity, showing the symbolic importance of dew as a sign of God's blessing and provision.
Isaac Blessing JacobT. H. Leale.Genesis 27:25-29
Isaac Blessing JacobC. Ness.Genesis 27:25-29
Isaac's Blessing -- the Parent's WarningE. Harper, B. A.Genesis 27:25-29
People
Esau, Haran, Heth, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Rebekah
Places
Beersheba, Haran
Topics
Abundance, Corn, Dew, Earth's, Fat, Fatness, Full, Grain, Heaven, Measure, Places, Plenty, Richness, Sky, Wine
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 27:28

     4435   drinking
     4544   wine
     4814   dew
     4816   drought, physical
     5503   rich, the

Genesis 27:1-29

     5095   Jacob, life

Genesis 27:6-29

     8716   dishonesty, examples

Genesis 27:27-29

     1335   blessing
     8638   benedictions

Library
There is a Great Question About Lying, which Often Arises in the Midst Of...
1. There is a great question about Lying, which often arises in the midst of our every day business, and gives us much trouble, that we may not either rashly call that a lie which is not such, or decide that it is sometimes right to tell a lie, that is, a kind of honest, well-meant, charitable lie. This question we will painfully discuss by seeking with them that seek: whether to any good purpose, we need not take upon ourselves to affirm, for the attentive reader will sufficiently gather from the
St. Augustine—On Lying

Epistle Lii. To Natalis, Bishop .
To Natalis, Bishop [1463] . Gregory to Natalis, Bishop of Salona. As though forgetting the tenour of former letters, I had determined to say nothing to your Blessedness but what should savour of sweetness: but, now that in your epistle you have recurred in the way of argumentation to preceding letters, I am once more compelled to say perhaps some things that I had rather not have said. For in defence of feasts your Fraternity mentions the feast of Abraham, in which by the testimony of Holy Scripture
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
Ver. 8. "Judah, thou, thy brethren shall praise thee; thy hand shall be on the neck of thine enemies; before thee shall bow down the sons of thy father. Ver. 9. A lion's whelp is Judah; from the prey, my son, thou goest up; he stoopeth down, he coucheth as a lion, and as a full-grown lion, who shall rouse him up? Ver. 10. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come, and unto Him the people shall adhere." Thus does dying Jacob, in announcing
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Letter xxxv. From Pope Damasus.
Damasus addresses five questions to Jerome with a request for information concerning them. They are: 1. What is the meaning of the words "Whosoever slayeth Cain vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold"? (Gen. iv. 5.) 2. If God has made all things good, how comes it that He gives charge to Noah concerning unclean animals, and says to Peter, "What God hath cleansed that call not thou common"? (Acts x. 15.) 3. How is Gen. xv. 16, "in the fourth generation they shall come hither again," to be reconciled
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

Touching Jacob, However, that which He did at his Mother's Bidding...
24. Touching Jacob, however, that which he did at his mother's bidding, so as to seem to deceive his father, if with diligence and in faith it be attended to, is no lie, but a mystery. The which if we shall call lies, all parables also, and figures designed for the signifying of any things soever, which are not to be taken according to their proper meaning, but in them is one thing to be understood from another, shall be said to be lies: which be far from us altogether. For he who thinks this, may
St. Augustine—Against Lying

Conflict.
"Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against themselves, that ye
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

First Withdrawal from Herod's Territory and Return.
(Spring, a.d. 29.) Subdivision C. The Twelve Try to Row Back. Jesus Walks Upon the Water. ^A Matt. XIV. 22-36; ^B Mark VI. 45-56; ^D John VI. 15-21. ^d 15 Jesus therefore perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain himself alone. [Jesus had descended to the plain to feed the multitude, but, perceiving this mistaken desire of the people, he frustrated it by dismissing his disciples and retiring by himself into the mountain.] ^a
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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