But Isaac asked his son, "How did you ever find it so quickly, my son?" "Because the LORD your God brought it to me," he replied. But Isaac asked his sonThis phrase introduces a moment of inquiry and suspicion. Isaac, the patriarch, is portrayed as a discerning figure, aware of the unusual speed with which his son has returned. The Hebrew root for "asked" (שָׁאַל, sha'al) implies a seeking or inquiring, often used in contexts where understanding or truth is sought. This reflects Isaac's role as a father and leader, responsible for ensuring the integrity of the blessing he is about to bestow. How did you ever find it so quickly, my son?
Isaac's question underscores the improbability of the situation. The phrase "so quickly" (מַה־זֶּה מִהַרְתָּ, mah-zeh miharta) suggests an element of surprise and doubt. In the cultural and historical context, hunting was a time-consuming task, and the speed of the return would naturally raise questions. This moment highlights the tension between human perception and divine intervention, setting the stage for the unfolding of God's sovereign plan despite human deception. Because the LORD your God brought it to me
Jacob's response is laden with theological significance. The use of "the LORD your God" (יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ, Yahweh Eloheikha) is telling; it reflects a personal yet distant relationship with God, as Jacob refers to God as Isaac's God, not yet fully his own. This phrase can be seen as an invocation of divine providence, albeit deceitfully. It reminds readers of the overarching theme of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises, even through flawed human actions. he replied
The simplicity of this phrase (וַיֹּאמֶר, vayomer) belies the complexity of the situation. Jacob's reply is a pivotal moment in the narrative, marking his active participation in the deception. The Hebrew verb "said" is frequently used in Scripture to denote not just speech, but the conveyance of intent and purpose. This moment is a turning point, illustrating the tension between human free will and divine destiny, as Jacob's actions, though deceitful, align with God's prophetic word to Rebekah regarding the younger serving the older (Genesis 25:23). Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaacThe son of Abraham and father of Esau and Jacob. In this passage, he is old and nearly blind, preparing to bless his son. 2. JacobThe younger son of Isaac and Rebekah, who deceives his father to receive the blessing meant for his brother Esau. 3. EsauThe elder son of Isaac, who is entitled to the birthright and blessing but is deceived by his brother Jacob. 4. RebekahThe wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob, who orchestrates the deception to ensure Jacob receives the blessing. 5. The LORDThe God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, whom Jacob invokes to justify his quick success in the deception. Teaching Points The Consequences of DeceptionJacob's lie to Isaac, invoking God's name, shows the gravity of deceit and its long-term consequences on relationships and trust. God's Sovereignty and Human ActionsDespite human deception, God's sovereign plan unfolds. This teaches us to trust in God's ultimate control over our lives. The Importance of IntegrityAs Christians, we are called to live with integrity, reflecting God's truth in our words and actions. The Role of Family DynamicsThe account highlights the complexities of family relationships and the need for honesty and communication within families. Invoking God's NameUsing God's name to justify wrongful actions is a serious offense, reminding us to honor God in truth and sincerity. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jacob's deception in Genesis 27:20 reflect the broader theme of sibling rivalry and divine election in the Bible? 2. In what ways does the account of Jacob and Esau challenge us to examine our own integrity and honesty in daily life? 3. How can we reconcile God's sovereignty with human actions, especially when those actions involve deceit or wrongdoing? 4. What lessons can we learn from the family dynamics in Isaac's household that apply to our own family relationships today? 5. How does the invocation of God's name in Jacob's lie serve as a warning against misusing God's name in our own lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 25:23This verse provides context for the struggle between Esau and Jacob, as God foretold that the older would serve the younger. Exodus 20:16The commandment against bearing false witness highlights the moral implications of Jacob's deception. Hebrews 11:20This verse reflects on Isaac's faith in blessing Jacob and Esau, acknowledging the divine plan despite human deception. Proverbs 12:22This verse speaks to the Lord's disdain for lying lips, contrasting with Jacob's deceitful actions. Romans 9:10-13Paul references Jacob and Esau to illustrate God's sovereign choice, emphasizing divine election over human merit. People Esau, Haran, Heth, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, RebekahPlaces Beersheba, HaranTopics Caused, Got, Granted, Hast, Hasted, Isaac, Quickly, Replied, Speed, SuccessDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 27:1-25 4438 eating Genesis 27:1-29 5095 Jacob, life Genesis 27:6-29 8716 dishonesty, examples Genesis 27:19-24 7944 ministry, qualifications 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 27:20 NIVGenesis 27:20 NLTGenesis 27:20 ESVGenesis 27:20 NASBGenesis 27:20 KJV
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