When the words of her older son Esau were relayed to Rebekah, she sent for her younger son Jacob and told him, "Look, your brother Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you. When the words of her older son Esau were relayed to RebekahThe phrase highlights the communication of Esau's intentions to Rebekah. In the Hebrew context, the word for "words" (דְּבָרִים, devarim) often implies not just spoken words but matters or things of significance. This indicates the gravity of Esau's intentions. The role of communication in family dynamics is crucial here, as it sets the stage for Rebekah's protective actions. Historically, the oral transmission of information was vital in ancient cultures, emphasizing the importance of spoken words in shaping events. she sent for her younger son Jacob
Rebekah's action in sending for Jacob underscores her proactive role in the narrative. The Hebrew verb used here (קָרָא, qara) can mean to call or summon, indicating urgency and authority. Rebekah's maternal instinct and favoritism towards Jacob are evident, reflecting the complex family relationships that are a recurring theme in Genesis. This action also foreshadows the unfolding of God's plan through Jacob, despite human manipulation. and said to him, 'Behold, your brother Esau is consoling himself
The word "Behold" (הִנֵּה, hinneh) is a call to attention, often used in Scripture to emphasize the importance of what follows. Rebekah's message to Jacob is urgent and serious. The phrase "consoling himself" (מִתְנַחֵם, mitnachem) is intriguing, as it suggests that Esau finds solace in the thought of revenge. This reflects the deep-seated emotions and the potential for violence that can arise from familial betrayal, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible. by plotting to kill you
The stark reality of Esau's intentions is laid bare. The Hebrew root for "plotting" (חָשַׁב, chashav) implies a calculated and deliberate plan, highlighting the depth of Esau's anger and hurt. This phrase serves as a reminder of the consequences of deception and favoritism within families. It also sets the stage for Jacob's eventual flight and the continuation of God's covenant promise through him, despite human failings. The narrative invites reflection on God's sovereignty and the mysterious ways in which His purposes are fulfilled. Persons / Places / Events 1. RebekahThe mother of Esau and Jacob, who plays a pivotal role in the events leading up to Jacob's deception of Isaac and the subsequent fallout. 2. EsauThe older son of Isaac and Rebekah, who is angered by Jacob's deception and plans to kill him after their father's death. 3. JacobThe younger son of Isaac and Rebekah, who deceives his father to receive the blessing meant for Esau, leading to his need to flee for his life. 4. IsaacThe father of Esau and Jacob, who is deceived by Jacob into giving him the blessing intended for Esau. 5. The PlotEsau's plan to kill Jacob in revenge for stealing his blessing, which Rebekah learns about and warns Jacob. Teaching Points The Consequences of DeceptionDeception, even when seemingly justified, leads to broken relationships and unintended consequences. Jacob's deceit results in family strife and his need to flee. The Power of WordsEsau's words of anger and revenge have significant power, prompting Rebekah's urgent warning to Jacob. Our words can set the course for future actions and relationships. God's Sovereignty Amidst Human PlansDespite human schemes and failures, God's purposes prevail. The prophecy given to Rebekah about her sons is fulfilled, demonstrating God's control over the situation. The Importance of ReconciliationThe animosity between Esau and Jacob highlights the need for reconciliation and forgiveness, themes that are later addressed in their eventual reunion. Parental Influence and ResponsibilityRebekah's actions show the profound influence parents have on their children's lives and the importance of guiding them in truth and integrity. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Rebekah's intervention in Genesis 27:42 reflect her character and priorities, and what can we learn from her actions about parental influence? 2. In what ways do the events of Genesis 27:42 demonstrate the consequences of deception, and how can we apply this lesson to our own lives? 3. How does the prophecy in Genesis 25:23 connect to the events in Genesis 27:42, and what does this reveal about God's sovereignty? 4. Reflect on a time when words have had a powerful impact on your life, either positively or negatively. How does this relate to Esau's words in Genesis 27:42? 5. Considering Hebrews 12:16-17, what lessons can we learn from Esau's response to losing his blessing, and how can we apply these lessons to our own experiences of loss or disappointment? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 25:23This verse foretells the struggle between Esau and Jacob, indicating that the older will serve the younger, setting the stage for the events in Genesis 27. Hebrews 12:16-17This passage reflects on Esau's character and the consequences of his actions, providing a New Testament perspective on the events of Genesis 27. Proverbs 16:9This verse speaks to the sovereignty of God in human plans, relevant to the unfolding of events despite human intentions. People Esau, Haran, Heth, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, RebekahPlaces Beersheba, HaranTopics Behold, Brother, Calleth, Comfort, Comforting, Comforts, Consoling, Death, Declared, Elder, Esau, Hearing, Jacob, Kill, Killing, Older, Planning, Purposing, Rebecca, Rebekah, Regard, Reported, Seems, Slay, Touching, YoungerDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 27:41-43 5828 danger Genesis 27:41-45 5095 Jacob, life
5834 disagreement Genesis 27:42-45 7212 exile 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 LyingEpistle 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 Links Genesis 27:42 NIVGenesis 27:42 NLTGenesis 27:42 ESVGenesis 27:42 NASBGenesis 27:42 KJV
Genesis 27:42 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
