Genesis 27:2
"Look," said Isaac, "I am now old, and I do not know the day of my death.
Look
The Hebrew word here is "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), often translated as "behold" or "look." It serves as an attention-grabbing word, urging the listener to pay close attention to what follows. In the context of Genesis 27, Isaac is calling Esau to focus on the gravity of the situation. This word is frequently used in the Bible to introduce significant revelations or divine messages, emphasizing the importance of the moment.

I am now old
The phrase reflects Isaac's acknowledgment of his advanced age. In the Hebrew culture, age was associated with wisdom and respect, but also with the awareness of life's fragility. Isaac's recognition of his old age sets the stage for the urgency of his blessing, a pivotal moment in the patriarchal narrative. It reminds us of the biblical theme of the brevity of life and the importance of fulfilling one's duties before passing.

and do not know
This phrase highlights human limitation and the uncertainty of life. Despite Isaac's status as a patriarch, he admits his inability to predict the future, a humbling acknowledgment that aligns with the biblical teaching that only God knows the times and seasons (Ecclesiastes 3:1). It serves as a reminder of the need for reliance on God's sovereignty and timing.

the day of my death
In ancient Near Eastern culture, the awareness of one's mortality was a significant aspect of life. Isaac's contemplation of his death underscores the urgency of passing on the blessing to his son. This phrase also reflects a common biblical theme: the inevitability of death and the importance of living a life aligned with God's will. It encourages readers to consider their own mortality and the legacy they will leave behind.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Isaac
The son of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac is a patriarch of Israel. In this chapter, he is elderly and believes he is nearing death, prompting him to bless his sons.

2. Esau
Isaac's elder son, known for his hunting skills. Isaac intends to bless Esau, which is significant in the context of birthright and inheritance.

3. Jacob
Isaac's younger son, who, with the help of his mother Rebekah, deceives Isaac to receive the blessing intended for Esau.

4. Rebekah
Isaac's wife and the mother of Esau and Jacob. She plays a crucial role in the deception of Isaac to ensure Jacob receives the blessing.

5. Beersheba
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Beersheba is a significant location in Isaac's life, representing a place of covenant and God's promises.
Teaching Points
The Uncertainty of Life
Isaac's acknowledgment of his mortality reminds us of the brevity and uncertainty of life. We should live with an awareness of our limited time and prioritize what truly matters.

The Importance of Blessing
In biblical times, a father's blessing was significant and carried prophetic weight. We should consider how we bless and speak into the lives of others, understanding the power of our words.

God's Sovereignty in Human Plans
Despite human intentions and plans, God's purposes prevail. Isaac's plan to bless Esau is overridden by God's earlier prophecy and plan for Jacob.

Family Dynamics and God's Will
The account of Isaac, Rebekah, Esau, and Jacob illustrates complex family dynamics. It encourages us to seek God's will in our family relationships and decisions.

Faith and Obedience
Isaac's life, as part of the patriarchal account, calls us to trust in God's promises and act in obedience, even when the future is uncertain.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Isaac's acknowledgment of his mortality in Genesis 27:2 challenge us to consider our own lives and priorities?

2. In what ways does the account of Isaac, Esau, and Jacob illustrate the theme of God's sovereignty over human plans?

3. How can we apply the concept of blessing others in our daily interactions, and what impact might this have?

4. Reflect on a time when family dynamics influenced your decisions. How can you seek God's guidance in such situations?

5. How does the uncertainty of life, as seen in Isaac's statement, encourage us to live with faith and intentionality? Consider connections to Proverbs 27:1 and other scriptures.
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 25
This chapter provides background on the birth of Esau and Jacob and the prophecy that the older will serve the younger, setting the stage for the events in Genesis 27.

Hebrews 11
This chapter highlights the faith of the patriarchs, including Isaac, and underscores the importance of faith in God's promises, even when circumstances seem uncertain.

Proverbs 27:1
This verse advises against boasting about tomorrow, as no one knows what a day may bring, echoing Isaac's uncertainty about the day of his death.
Isaac in the Near Prospect of DeathT. H. Leale.Genesis 27:1-2
Isaac, the Organ of Divine BlessingM. Dods, D. D.Genesis 27:1-2
Isaac's Preparation for DeathF. W. Robertson, M. A.Genesis 27:1-2
The Blind FatherJ. C. Gray.Genesis 27:1-2
The Day of Death UnknownR. A. Wilmot.Genesis 27:1-2
People
Esau, Haran, Heth, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Rebekah
Places
Beersheba, Haran
Topics
Aged, Behold, Death, Isaac
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 27:2

     4016   life, human

Genesis 27:1-2

     5726   old age, attainment

Genesis 27:1-25

     4438   eating

Genesis 27:1-29

     5095   Jacob, life

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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