But Isaac answered Esau: "Look, I have made him your master and given him all his relatives as servants; I have sustained him with grain and new wine. What is left that I can do for you, my son?" But Isaac replied to EsauThis phrase sets the stage for a poignant moment between father and son. The Hebrew root for "replied" is עָנָה (anah), which can also mean to answer or respond. This indicates a dialogue, a moment of communication that is both personal and significant. Isaac's response is not just a casual reply but a heartfelt acknowledgment of the situation. Historically, this moment is laden with the weight of patriarchal blessing, a tradition deeply embedded in the culture of the time. Behold, I have made him master over you
The word "Behold" (הִנֵּה, hinneh) is an imperative to pay attention, to see with understanding. It emphasizes the gravity of Isaac's declaration. The term "master" (גָּבַר, gabar) implies strength and authority, indicating that Jacob has been given a position of dominance. This reflects the irreversible nature of the blessing Isaac bestowed upon Jacob, a decision that aligns with God's sovereign plan despite human intentions. and have given him all his relatives as servants
The phrase "have given" (נָתַן, natan) signifies a deliberate act of bestowal. In the cultural context, this transfer of authority and servitude among relatives underscores the comprehensive nature of the blessing. It is not merely about material wealth but about establishing a hierarchy within the family, which was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern societies. I have sustained him with grain and new wine
"Sustained" (סָמַךְ, samak) conveys the idea of support and provision. Grain and new wine are symbols of abundance and prosperity, essential elements of sustenance in the agrarian society of the time. This provision signifies not just physical nourishment but also the blessing of fertility and prosperity, echoing the covenantal promises made to Abraham. What then can I do for you, my son?
This rhetorical question highlights Isaac's sense of helplessness and the finality of the blessing given to Jacob. The phrase "my son" (בְּנִי, beni) is a term of endearment, reflecting Isaac's affection for Esau despite the circumstances. It underscores the emotional complexity of the narrative, where familial love and divine providence intersect in ways that challenge human understanding. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaacThe patriarch and father of Esau and Jacob. He is in a position of authority and blessing, having been deceived into blessing Jacob instead of Esau. 2. EsauThe elder son of Isaac, who was supposed to receive the blessing of the firstborn but was supplanted by his younger brother Jacob through deception. 3. JacobThe younger son of Isaac, who deceitfully received the blessing intended for Esau, thus becoming the master over his brother. 4. The BlessingA significant event in the patriarchal family, where Isaac's blessing, once given, was irrevocable and carried profound spiritual and material implications. 5. CanaanThe land where these events took place, significant as the Promised Land for the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Teaching Points The Irrevocability of God's BlessingOnce Isaac blessed Jacob, the blessing could not be undone, illustrating the permanence and seriousness of God's promises and covenants. The Consequences of DeceptionJacob's deceit led to immediate gain but long-term family strife, teaching us that deceit can have lasting negative consequences. God's Sovereignty in Human AffairsDespite human actions and intentions, God's sovereign plan prevails, as seen in the fulfillment of His word that the older will serve the younger. The Importance of Spiritual DiscernmentEsau's lack of spiritual discernment in valuing his birthright serves as a warning to prioritize spiritual blessings over temporary, worldly desires. The Role of Parental InfluenceIsaac's favoritism towards Esau and Rebekah's towards Jacob contributed to family discord, reminding us of the importance of impartiality and wisdom in parenting. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of Jacob and Esau challenge us to consider the long-term consequences of our actions, especially in family relationships? 2. In what ways can we ensure that we value spiritual blessings over temporary, worldly gains, as warned in the account of Esau? 3. How does the concept of God's sovereignty, as seen in the account of Jacob and Esau, provide comfort and assurance in our own lives? 4. What lessons can we learn from Isaac's inability to reverse the blessing, and how does this relate to the permanence of God's promises in our lives? 5. How can we apply the lessons of parental influence from Isaac and Rebekah's account to our own roles as parents or mentors? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 25:23This verse foretells the struggle between Esau and Jacob, indicating that the older will serve the younger, which is fulfilled in Genesis 27:37. Hebrews 12:16-17This passage warns against godlessness like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright, highlighting the spiritual implications of his actions. Romans 9:10-13Paul references the account of Jacob and Esau to illustrate God's sovereign choice, emphasizing that God's purposes are not based on human actions but His calling. People Esau, Haran, Heth, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, RebekahPlaces Beersheba, HaranTopics Answereth, Answering, Behold, Brethren, Brothers, Corn, Esau, Grain, Isaac, Master, Mighty, Possibly, Relatives, Replied, Servants, Strong, Supplied, Sustained, WineDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 27:30-39 5688 firstborn Genesis 27:36-40 6650 finding 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 27:37 NIVGenesis 27:37 NLTGenesis 27:37 ESVGenesis 27:37 NASBGenesis 27:37 KJV
Genesis 27:37 Commentaries
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