She also put the skins of the young goats on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck. She also putThis phrase indicates deliberate action and intention. Rebekah, Isaac's wife, is orchestrating a plan to deceive her husband. The Hebrew root for "put" is "נָתַן" (natan), which means to give, place, or set. This action is not passive; it is a decisive step in the unfolding of God's providential plan, albeit through human deception. It reminds us that God can work through even the flawed actions of individuals to fulfill His purposes. the skins of the young goats
The use of "skins" here is significant. In Hebrew, "עוֹר" (or) refers to skin or hide. The choice of young goats is intentional, as their skins would be more supple and similar to human skin. This detail highlights the lengths to which Rebekah and Jacob go to deceive Isaac. Historically, goats were common livestock in the ancient Near East, and their skins were used for various purposes, including clothing and containers. This act of deception using goat skins is a stark reminder of the consequences of favoritism and deceit within a family. on his hands
The hands are symbolic of action and identity. In Hebrew culture, the hands are often associated with one's work and deeds. By covering Jacob's hands with goat skins, Rebekah is attempting to alter his identity to match that of Esau, the elder brother. This act of deception is a physical manifestation of the spiritual and moral deception taking place. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of manipulating one's identity for personal gain. and on the smooth part of his neck
The neck, in Hebrew "צַוָּאר" (tsavvar), is often associated with strength and pride. The "smooth part" indicates a lack of hair, contrasting with Esau's hairy nature. This detail emphasizes the thoroughness of the deception. The neck is also a vulnerable part of the body, symbolizing the vulnerability of Isaac to this deception. This act of covering the smooth neck with goat skins is a poignant reminder of how easily one can be led astray by appearances, and it challenges us to seek truth and integrity in our actions and relationships. Persons / Places / Events 1. RebekahThe wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob. She orchestrates the deception of Isaac to secure the blessing for Jacob. 2. JacobThe younger son of Isaac and Rebekah, who is persuaded by his mother to deceive his father and receive the blessing meant for Esau. 3. IsaacThe aging and blind patriarch who intends to bless his elder son Esau but is deceived by Jacob. 4. EsauThe elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, who is the rightful recipient of the blessing but is supplanted by Jacob. 5. The Skins of the Young GoatsUsed by Rebekah to disguise Jacob as Esau, highlighting the lengths to which deception is employed. Teaching Points The Consequences of DeceptionDeception, even with seemingly good intentions, leads to long-term consequences and family discord. Believers are called to live truthfully and trust in God's timing and methods. God's Sovereignty in Human AffairsDespite human manipulation, God's sovereign plan unfolds. This encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate control over life's circumstances. The Importance of IntegrityJacob's account serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity. Christians are encouraged to pursue honesty and righteousness in their dealings with others. Family Dynamics and FavoritismThe favoritism shown by Isaac and Rebekah towards their sons leads to division. Believers are reminded to practice fairness and love within family relationships. The Role of Faith in Uncertain TimesIsaac's blessing, despite the deception, is an act of faith. Christians are encouraged to maintain faith in God's promises, even when circumstances are unclear. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the deception in Genesis 27:16 reflect the broader theme of human fallibility in the Bible, and what can we learn from it about our own lives? 2. In what ways does the account of Jacob and Esau challenge us to consider the impact of favoritism and partiality in our families and communities? 3. How can we apply the lesson of God's sovereignty, as seen in this passage, to situations where we feel the need to control outcomes? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our actions align with integrity and truthfulness, as opposed to deception? 5. How does the account of Jacob and Esau connect with the New Testament teachings on faith and God's promises, and how can this connection strengthen our faith today? 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 11:20This verse reflects on the faith of Isaac in blessing Jacob and Esau, acknowledging the divine plan despite human deception. Romans 9:10-13Paul references the account of Jacob and Esau to illustrate God's sovereign choice, emphasizing that God's purposes prevail beyond human actions. People Esau, Haran, Heth, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, RebekahPlaces Beersheba, HaranTopics Goats, Goatskins, Hands, Kids, Neck, Skins, SmoothDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 27:16 5155 hair
5156 hand
7785 shepherd, occupation Genesis 27:1-25 4438 eating Genesis 27:1-29 5095 Jacob, life Genesis 27:3-19 5268 cooking Genesis 27:5-17 5719 mothers, responsibilities Genesis 27:5-19 5920 pretence Genesis 27:6-29 8716 dishonesty, examples Genesis 27:15-16 5948 shrewdness 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 27:16 NIVGenesis 27:16 NLTGenesis 27:16 ESVGenesis 27:16 NASBGenesis 27:16 KJV
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