Genesis 27:3
Take your weapons--your quiver and bow--and go out into the field to hunt some game for me.
Take your weapons
The phrase "take your weapons" signifies preparation and readiness for a task. In the Hebrew context, the word for "weapons" (כֵּלִים, kelim) can refer to tools or instruments necessary for a specific purpose. This highlights the importance of being equipped for the tasks God sets before us. Spiritually, it reminds believers to be prepared with the "armor of God" (Ephesians 6:11) for the spiritual battles they face.

your quiver and bow
The "quiver and bow" were essential tools for a hunter in ancient times. The Hebrew word for "quiver" (אַשְׁפָּה, ashpah) and "bow" (קֶשֶׁת, qeshet) indicate the skill and precision required in hunting. Historically, these tools were not only for sustenance but also for protection. This phrase can inspire Christians to hone their skills and talents, using them effectively in service to God and others.

and go out into the field
The directive to "go out into the field" suggests action and obedience. The "field" (שָׂדֶה, sadeh) in biblical times was a place of labor and provision. It symbolizes the world where believers are called to work and witness. This phrase encourages Christians to step out in faith, trusting God to provide and guide them in their endeavors.

to hunt some game for me
"To hunt some game" reflects the act of providing and fulfilling a need. The Hebrew word for "hunt" (צוּד, tsud) implies pursuit and diligence. "Game" (צַיִד, tsayid) refers to the sustenance that Isaac desired. This phrase can be seen as a metaphor for seeking God's will and provision. It challenges believers to pursue God's purposes with dedication, trusting that He will meet their needs as they serve Him faithfully.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Isaac
- The patriarch of the family, son of Abraham, and father of Esau and Jacob. In this chapter, Isaac is old and his eyesight is failing.

2. Esau
- The elder son of Isaac, known for his skills as a hunter. He is favored by Isaac and is asked to hunt game for his father.

3. Jacob
- The younger son of Isaac, who is favored by his mother, Rebekah. He later deceives Isaac to receive the blessing meant for Esau.

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

5. The Field
- Represents the place where Esau is to hunt game. It symbolizes the world and the efforts required to fulfill duties and desires.
Teaching Points
Obedience and Duty
Esau's immediate response to Isaac's request demonstrates obedience and respect for parental authority. In our lives, we should strive to honor and fulfill our responsibilities to those in authority over us.

Preparation and Skill
Esau's role as a hunter required preparation and skill. Similarly, we should cultivate our God-given talents and be prepared to use them for God's purposes.

The Importance of Blessings
The context of this passage underscores the significance of blessings in biblical times. We should seek God's blessings in our lives and understand their spiritual importance.

Family Dynamics and Favoritism
The favoritism shown by Isaac and Rebekah towards their sons serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for family discord. We should strive for fairness and love in our family relationships.

Spiritual Vigilance
Just as Esau was tasked with a physical hunt, we are called to be spiritually vigilant, seeking God's will and being aware of the spiritual battles we face.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Esau's obedience to Isaac's request reflect the biblical principle of honoring one's parents, and how can we apply this in our own family relationships?

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves spiritually and practically to fulfill the roles and responsibilities God has given us?

3. How does the account of Esau and Jacob challenge us to consider the long-term consequences of our actions and decisions?

4. What lessons can we learn from the favoritism shown by Isaac and Rebekah, and how can we ensure fairness and love in our own family dynamics?

5. How can we remain spiritually vigilant in our daily lives, and what "spiritual game" should we be hunting to align ourselves with God's will?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 25:27-34
This passage provides background on Esau and Jacob, highlighting Esau's skills as a hunter and the sale of his birthright to Jacob.

Hebrews 12:16-17
This New Testament reference warns against being like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights, emphasizing the spiritual implications of his actions.

Proverbs 12:27
This verse contrasts the diligent with the lazy, which can be related to Esau's hunting and the effort required to fulfill his father's request.
The Day of Death UnknownR. A. Wilmot.
People
Esau, Haran, Heth, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Rebekah
Places
Beersheba, Haran
Topics
Arrows, Bow, Field, Game, Gear, Hunt, Instruments, Meat, Open, Please, Provision, Quiver, Venison, Weapons, Wild
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 27:3

     5206   archers
     5236   bow and arrow
     5342   hunting
     5488   quivers

Genesis 27:1-25

     4438   eating

Genesis 27:1-29

     5095   Jacob, life

Genesis 27:3-19

     5268   cooking

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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