Deception and Division – Jacob Steals the Blessing
The story of Jacob stealing Esau’s blessing is a turning point in his journey. This act of deception showcases Jacob’s willingness to manipulate and cheat for personal gain, setting off a series of consequences that divide his family. Yet, through these events, God’s sovereign plan unfolds. In this post, we’ll explore the dynamics of deception, favoritism, and divine purpose in Jacob’s life, drawing out lessons for our own walk with God.
Genesis 27:1-4
“Now it came to pass, when Isaac was old and his eyes were so dim that he could not see, that he called Esau his older son and said to him, ‘My son.’ And he answered him, ‘Here I am.’ Then he said, ‘Behold now, I am old. I do not know the day of my death. Now therefore, please take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me. And make me savory food, such as I love, and bring it to me that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die.’”
Isaac’s intention to bless Esau privately, contrary to God’s earlier prophecy (Genesis 25:23), highlights his preference for Esau despite God’s revealed plan. Isaac’s physical blindness mirrors his spiritual blindness in this moment, as he seeks to bless Esau based on his own desires rather than God’s will.
Life Application: Are there areas in our lives where we prioritize personal desires over God’s instructions?
Genesis 27:5-10
“Now Rebekah was listening when Isaac spoke to Esau his son; and Esau went to the field to hunt game and to bring it. So Rebekah spoke to Jacob her son, saying, ‘Indeed I heard your father speak to Esau your brother, saying, “Bring me game and make savory food for me, that I may eat it and bless you in the presence of the Lord before my death.” Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to what I command you. Go now to the flock and bring me two choice kids of the goats, and I will make savory food from them for your father, such as he loves. Then you shall take it to your father, that he may eat it and that he may bless you before his death.’”
Rebekah’s favoritism toward Jacob drives her to orchestrate a deceptive plan to secure the blessing for him. While she seeks to fulfill God’s prophecy, her methods reveal a lack of trust in God’s ability to bring His plan to pass.
Insight: God’s promises do not need human manipulation to be fulfilled (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Life Application: Do we try to force outcomes rather than trusting God to work in His timing and way?
Genesis 27:11-17
“And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, ‘Look, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth-skinned man. Perhaps my father will feel me, and I shall seem to be a deceiver to him; and I shall bring a curse on myself and not a blessing.’ But his mother said to him, ‘Let your curse be on me, my son; only obey my voice, and go, get them for me.’ And he went and got them and brought them to his mother, and his mother made savory food, such as his father loved. Then Rebekah took the choice clothes of her elder son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them on Jacob her younger son. And she put the skins of the kids of the goats on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck. Then she gave the savory food and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob.”
Jacob’s hesitance is not based on moral objections but fear of being caught. Rebekah assumes full responsibility for the plan, pushing Jacob into an act that will later lead to his exile and estrangement from Esau.
Life Application: Are we complicit in sin when others encourage us, or do we stand firm in doing what is right?
Genesis 27:18-29
“So he went to his father and said, ‘My father.’ And he said, ‘Here I am. Who are you, my son?’ Jacob said to his father, ‘I am Esau your firstborn; I have done just as you told me; please arise, sit and eat of my game, that your soul may bless me.’”
Jacob’s outright lies to Isaac demonstrate his willingness to deceive for personal gain. Isaac’s suspicions (verses 20-24) are ultimately overcome by Jacob’s persistence and the convincing elements of Rebekah’s plan.
The blessing Isaac bestows on Jacob (verses 27-29) affirms God’s earlier prophecy and bestows material and spiritual prosperity on Jacob.
Life Application: While God’s plans prevail, deception always carries consequences. How can we pursue God’s will without resorting to unethical means?
Genesis 27:30-41
“And Esau said, ‘Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two times. He took away my birthright, and now look, he has taken away my blessing!’”
Esau’s bitter reaction highlights his own neglect of spiritual blessings (Genesis 25:34). While he blames Jacob, Esau’s earlier decisions contributed to his loss. Isaac, realizing the deception, acknowledges that the blessing will stand, affirming the unchangeable nature of God’s plans.
Esau’s vow to kill Jacob (verse 41) sets the stage for Jacob’s exile, marking the beginning of his journey of transformation.
Insight: Hebrews 12:15-17 warns against bitterness, using Esau as an example of someone who forfeited blessings through impulsive decisions.
Life Application: Do we harbor bitterness when facing the consequences of our own choices? How can we seek reconciliation and grace instead?
Themes and Lessons
- God’s Sovereignty: Despite human manipulation, God’s plan is fulfilled. This reminds us that His purposes cannot be thwarted (Job 42:2).
- The Cost of Deception: While Jacob receives the blessing, his deceit results in estrangement from his family, demonstrating the far-reaching consequences of sin.
- Parental Favoritism: Isaac and Rebekah’s favoritism fuels division, showing the destructive impact of partiality in families.
Rich Life Applications
- Are there areas where we are tempted to manipulate circumstances instead of trusting God?
- How can we avoid bitterness and seek reconciliation when wronged?
- What steps can we take to ensure fairness and unity in our families and relationships?
Jacob’s deception leads to division, but it also marks the beginning of his transformation. God’s sovereignty shines through human failure, reminding us that His plans prevail despite our shortcomings. As we continue Jacob’s journey, we’ll see how God uses even the brokenness of sin to shape His purposes.