One day when Isaac was old and his eyesight was so dim that he could not see, he called for Esau and Esau answered. Remember Esau is Isaac’s favorite son (Genesis 25:28). He is still his father’s favorite even after marrying wives that caused them a lot of grief. Isaac stated that he was old and did not know what would be the day of his death. He wanted Esau to go hunting and then to come back and fix him a nice meal such as he loved. Isaac wanted to have this nice meal from his favorite son before he died and he also wanted to bless Esau. I wonder if Isaac ever knew that Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a meal of red stew – Genesis 25:29-34. Rebekah overheard Isaac talking to Esau. Of course, Esau headed out to go hunting. Rebekah spoke to Jacob (her favorite son – Genesis 25:28) telling him what she overheard Isaac say to Esau regarding hunting, cooking and blessing. Parents playing favorites with their children does not sound like a good idea for the sake of continual family unity.

The Plan of Deception – Rebekah (The Mastermind) tells Jacob to do exactly what she says. She told Jacob to get two choice kid goats from the flock and she was going to make a savory meal for Isaac just like he loves. It almost sounds like the way to Isaac’s heart was through his stomach. Rebekah told Jacob to take the food to Isaac so that he (Isaac) will bless him (Jacob) before dying. Jacob was concerned because Esau was hairy and he was smooth-skinned. He thought that Isaac would touch him and then curse him rather than bless him because of the attempted deception. Rebekah told Jacob to let the curse be on her and he should do just as she told him. So, Jacob went and got the goats and Rebekah fixed the food. Then Rebekah took Esau’s best clothes and gave them to Jacob to wear. She took the skins of the goats and put them on Jacob’s hands and the smooth part of his neck. Rebekah gave Jacob the savory food and bread she prepared to take to Isaac. Jacob said, “My father.” Isaac said, “Here I am. Who are you my son?” So Jacob states that he is Esau, his firstborn and that he had done what he told him to do. That’s a lie. Jacob tells Isaac to sit and eat of his game so that Isaac’s soul may bless him. Isaac asked him how did he find it so quickly. Isaac is blind, not dumb. Jacob said, “Because the Lord your God brought it to me.” Did he just lie on God? Oh, Yes he did! Have you ever lied on God? Do you know someone that has lied on God? For example, that person who has called himself or herself to preach the Gospel and they say God called them to preach. Or that person who comes to you and says, “God told me to tell you ….”, when it really is just them talking or expressing their opinion about your life’s situation. Isaac asked Jacob (pretending to be Esau) to come near him so that he could touch and see if he was really Esau. Jacob went close to Isaac and he touched him and said “The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” Isaac didn’t recognize him because his hands were hairy like Esau’s hands, so he blessed him.

I have always heard that the name “Jacob” means deceiver. Yes, Google gave me that same meaning along with other meanings. Well, based on his mother, Rebekah’s actions, Jacob got it honestly. What traits do you see in your children that you have to shake your head and say to yourself, “they got it honestly”?

The saga continues in Genesis 27:24-46 (Part 2)

To God Be The Glory!