Genesis 27:1-29
Summary for Gen 27:1-40: 27:1-40 a Jacob got his father Isaac’s blessing through deception. In this story, an entire family tries to carry out their responsibilities by physical means rather than by faith. Faith would have provided Rebekah and Jacob a more honorable solution to the crisis.Summary for Gen 27:1-4: 27:1-4 b The first scene sets up the chapter’s crisis. Isaac knew of God’s oracle (25:22-23 c), yet he thwarted or ignored it by trying to bless Esau.
• Isaac was old and turning blind: He was losing his senses, both physically and spiritually.
Summary for Gen 27:3-4: 27:3-4 d Like Esau, Isaac allowed his palate to govern his heart (cp. 25:28-34 e).
Summary for Gen 27:5-17: 27:5-17 f The blessing seemed to be in jeopardy. In scene two, Rebekah and Jacob sought to achieve God’s blessing by deception, without faith or love. Rebekah planned to deceive the old man into thinking that he was blessing Esau when he was actually blessing Jacob. 27:5 g Esau agreed to Isaac’s plan, thus breaking the oath he had sworn to Jacob (25:33 h).
Summary for Gen 27:11-12: 27:11-12 i Jacob had no qualms about this deception; he only feared that it might not work and that he would be cursed for trying.
Summary for Gen 27:18-29: 27:18-29 j In scene three, Jacob deceives his father and receives the blessing.
Summary for Gen 27:18-20: 27:18-20 k Jacob lied about his identity, and then came close to blasphemy by lying about God.
Summary for Gen 27:20-27: 27:20-27 l Isaac voiced his suspicion three times but was finally deceived by his senses, which were not functioning well (see study note on 27:1-4).
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