So he came near and kissed him. When Isaac smelled his clothing, he blessed him and said: "Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the LORD has blessed. So he came near and kissed him.Jacob’s kiss carried the customary affection and honor of a son approaching his aged father. The intimate gesture deepens the tragedy of the deception, because Jacob used the nearness of family love to conceal his identity. Gen 33:4 Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him… When Isaac smelled his clothing, Rebekah had clothed Jacob in Esau’s finest garments so that their familiar scent would support the disguise. Isaac’s failing sight left him dependent on touch, hearing, and smell, yet the outward evidence concealed the reality before him. Sng 4:11 Your lips, my bride, drip sweetness like the honeycomb;… he blessed him and said: Isaac’s blessing conveyed covenantal inheritance, paternal authority, and prophetic significance. Although Isaac intended to bless Esau, the blessing fell upon Jacob in accordance with God’s earlier word to Rebekah that the older son would serve the younger (Genesis 25:23). God’s sovereign purpose prevailed without approving the sinful deceit that surrounded the event. Heb 11:20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future. “Ah, the smell of my son Isaac associated the scent of the garments with Esau, the son who lived in the open country and hunted game. Jacob stood before him clothed in another man’s identity, receiving what Isaac believed he was giving to Esau. Gen 8:21 When the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma,… is like the smell of a field A fruitful field represented abundance, provision, and the settled life promised through Abraham’s covenant. Isaac’s words anticipate the agricultural prosperity and dominion over peoples that he would pronounce upon Jacob in the blessing that follows. Gen 26:12-14 Now Isaac sowed seed in the land, and that very year… that the LORD has blessed. Isaac recognized that fruitful land and lasting prosperity come from the LORD alone. The blessing rests ultimately on God’s covenant faithfulness, which would continue through Jacob and lead to the nation of Israel. Deu 28:8 The LORD will decree a blessing on your barns… Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaacThe son of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac is the father of Esau and Jacob. In this passage, he is old and blind, preparing to bless his son. 2. Jacob The younger son of Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob deceives his father to receive the blessing intended for his brother Esau. 3. Esau The elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, Esau is the rightful recipient of the blessing but is deceived by his brother Jacob. 4. Rebekah The wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob, Rebekah orchestrates the deception to ensure Jacob receives the blessing. 5. The Field Symbolically represents abundance and divine favor, as Isaac compares Jacob's scent to a blessed field. Teaching Points The Power of BlessingThe blessing Isaac gives is not just words but carries spiritual and prophetic significance. In our lives, we should recognize the power of our words and the importance of speaking blessings over others. Deception and Consequences Jacob's deception, though it achieves the desired outcome, leads to long-term family strife. This teaches us that deceit, even with good intentions, can have lasting negative effects. God's Sovereignty Despite human manipulation, God's plan prevails. This reassures us that God's purposes will be accomplished, even when circumstances seem contrary. Parental Influence Rebekah's role in the deception shows the significant influence parents have on their children's actions. It reminds us to guide our children in truth and integrity. The Aroma of Christ Just as Isaac was pleased with the scent of Jacob's clothing, believers are called to be the aroma of Christ, spreading His fragrance through our lives and actions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the blessing Isaac gives to Jacob reflect the promises God made to Abraham? Consider the broader account of God's covenant.2. In what ways can we ensure that our words and actions align with God's will, avoiding the pitfalls of deception as seen in this passage? 3. How does the concept of blessing in Genesis 27:27 relate to the blessings we are called to give and receive in the New Testament? 4. What lessons can we learn from Rebekah's involvement in Jacob's deception, and how can we apply these lessons to our roles within our families? 5. How does the theme of God's sovereignty in this passage encourage us in our personal walk with God, especially when facing uncertain or challenging situations? 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 11:20 This verse highlights the faith of Isaac in blessing Jacob and Esau concerning things to come, showing the importance of the blessing. Romans 9:10-13 Paul references Jacob and Esau to illustrate God's sovereign choice, emphasizing that God's purposes prevail over human actions.
People Esau, Haran, Heth, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, RebekahPlaces Beersheba, HaranTopics Ah, Behold, Blessed, Blesseth, Blessing, Caught, Close, Clothes, Clothing, Field, Fragrance, Garments, Isaac, Kiss, Kissed, Kisseth, Nigh, Raiment, Smell, Smelled, Smelleth, Smelling, SmeltDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 27:27 5171 nose 1335 blessing 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 . The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. ) Letter xxxv. From Pope Damasus. Touching Jacob, However, that which He did at his Mother's Bidding... Conflict. First Withdrawal from Herod's Territory and Return. Genesis Links Genesis 27:27 NIVGenesis 27:27 NLT Genesis 27:27 ESV Genesis 27:27 NASB Genesis 27:27 KJV Genesis 27:27 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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