Genesis 27

Chapter 27 deals with Isaac passing on the blessing. Isaac intends to bless Esau as custom would call for the oldest child to receive. However, he is tricked by Jacob at the planning and urging of his mother. For many years I was very hard on the tactics of Rebekah, and I still have a hard time with the deception. But we must remember that God had revealed to her while Esau and Jacob were in the womb that the older would serve the younger. Rebekah was more clued in on the will of God than Isaac.

The blessing was huge for children back then. Honestly, it still is but we just don’t have the formalities of it as they did in Bible times. In order to understand the text we need to understand a common Hebrew belief that once words left your mouth that they could never return. Today, if Jacob would have tricked Isaac, he probably would have said, “I take that back” and then give his blessing to Esau. But with their belief that was not a possibility. Truthfully, I am not sure that way of looking at words is not more accurate than our way of thinking. To many times we say hurtful things and think a “I’m sorry I didn’t mean it” will make everything better. We would do better to more carefully weigh our words before saying them. James pointed out that all of us say inappropriate things and that if we could completely control our tongue we would be perfect. I do believe living the spirit-filled life entails controlling our words.

After Esau’s finds out that Jacob has stolen his blessing he asks a very penetrating question, “Do you only have one blessing?” Isaac then blesses Esau. His blessing contained a very freeing affirmation. “But when you grow restless, you will throw his yoke from off your neck.” Esau spent a large part of his life holding a grudge and planning for revenge on Jacob. As we will read later he finally gets that monkey off his back. That is a good lesson for us. When someone wrongs us and we hold a grudge or become bitter we are the ones who suffer. In order to live life the way it is intended we must learn to forgive others over and over again.

“Lord, thank You for blessing all of us. Especially, thank You for allowing us all the choice to be recipients of Your blessing through Jesus Christ the fulfillment of Your promise. Please let my life bless someone today. I pray this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.”