Genesis 27:10

Then take it to your father to eat, so that he may bless you before he dies."

Study Bible

Then take it to your father
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, where Rebekah instructs Jacob to deceive his father, Isaac. The Hebrew root for "take" is "laqach," which often implies a deliberate action. This reflects the intentionality behind Rebekah's plan. The familial relationship is underscored by "your father," emphasizing the personal and intimate nature of the deception. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the father held a position of authority and blessing, making this act of deception particularly significant.

to eat
The act of eating in this context is not merely about physical sustenance but is deeply symbolic. In the Hebrew culture, meals often accompanied significant events, such as covenants or blessings. The Hebrew word "akal" for "eat" suggests consumption that leads to satisfaction, indicating that Isaac's satisfaction from the meal would lead to the impartation of the blessing. This highlights the cultural importance of meals as a setting for important familial and spiritual transactions.

so that he may bless you
The blessing in Hebrew, "barak," is a powerful act that conveys not just words but the transmission of divine favor and destiny. In the patriarchal society of the Bible, a father's blessing was seen as prophetic and binding. This phrase underscores the gravity of the situation, as Jacob is about to receive a blessing intended for Esau, altering the course of his life and the history of Israel. The blessing was not just a wish for prosperity but a declaration of God's covenant promises.

before he dies
This phrase adds urgency to the narrative. The Hebrew word for "dies," "muth," indicates the finality and seriousness of Isaac's condition. In the ancient world, the approach of death was a time for finalizing important family matters, including the passing of blessings. The impending death of Isaac creates a sense of urgency and tension, as the blessing must be given before his passing. This reflects the belief in the irrevocable nature of a deathbed blessing, which was considered binding and unchangeable once given.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Isaac
- The patriarch of the family, Isaac is old and nearly blind. He intends to bless his eldest son, Esau, before he dies.

2. Rebekah
- Isaac's wife, who overhears Isaac's plan to bless Esau and devises a plan for Jacob to receive the blessing instead.

3. Jacob
- The younger son of Isaac and Rebekah, who follows his mother's instructions to deceive his father and receive the blessing meant for Esau.

4. Esau
- The elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, who is the intended recipient of Isaac's blessing but is ultimately deceived by his brother Jacob.

5. The Blessing
- A significant event in the patriarchal family, where the father bestows a prophetic and spiritual blessing upon his son, often determining the future leadership and inheritance within the family.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Integrity
Jacob's deception highlights the consequences of lacking integrity. Believers are called to live truthfully, trusting God to fulfill His promises without resorting to deceit.

God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
While God's sovereign plan unfolds through these events, each character's actions have real consequences. Believers should seek to align their actions with God's will, understanding that He works through human choices.

The Power of a Blessing
The blessing Isaac intended to give Esau was not just a formality but carried significant spiritual and prophetic weight. This underscores the importance of speaking blessings and encouragement into the lives of others.

Family Dynamics and Favoritism
The favoritism shown by Isaac and Rebekah towards their sons leads to division and conflict. Believers are encouraged to love impartially and foster unity within their families.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the deception of Jacob reflect the earlier prophecy given to Rebekah in Genesis 25:23, and what does this teach us about God's sovereignty?

2. In what ways can the account of Jacob and Esau serve as a warning against the dangers of favoritism and division within families?

3. How does the New Testament view Esau's actions, and what lessons can we learn about valuing spiritual inheritance over immediate gratification?

4. What are some practical ways we can ensure that our actions align with God's will, even when faced with difficult choices?

5. How can we apply the concept of blessing others in our daily lives, and what impact might this have on our relationships and communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 25:23
- This verse provides context for the struggle between Esau and Jacob, as God reveals to Rebekah that the older will serve the younger, foreshadowing the events of Genesis 27.

Hebrews 12:16-17
- This passage warns against godlessness like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights, highlighting the spiritual implications of the events in Genesis 27.

Romans 9:10-13
- Paul references Jacob and Esau to illustrate God's sovereign choice, emphasizing that God's purposes are not based on human actions but on His calling.