Genesis 27:1-10

1 When Isaac was old and going blind, he called his older son Esau and said to him, "Son!" Esau answered, "Here I am."

2 Isaac said, "I'm old. I don't know when I'm going to die.

3 Now take your hunting equipment, your quiver and bow, and go out into the open country and hunt some wild game for me.

4 Prepare a good-tasting meal for me, just the way I like it. Bring it to me to eat so that I will bless you before I die."

5 Rebekah was listening while Isaac was speaking to his son Esau. When Esau went into the open country to hunt for some wild game to bring back,

6 Rebekah said to her son Jacob, "I've just heard your father speaking to your brother Esau.

7 He said, 'Bring me some wild game, and prepare a good-tasting meal for me to eat so that I will bless you in the presence of the LORD before I die.'

8 Now listen to me, Son, and do what I tell you.

9 Go to the flock, and get me two good young goats. I'll prepare them as a good-tasting meal for your father, just the way he likes it.

10 Then take it to your father to eat so that he will bless you before he dies."

Genesis 27:1-10 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 27

In this chapter we are informed, that Isaac, being old and dim sighted, sent for Esau to get him venison, that he might eat of it, and bless him before he died, Ge 27:1-4; that Rebekah hearing of this formed a scheme for Jacob to get the blessing before him, which she communicated to Jacob, to which he at first objected, but afterwards complied, Ge 27:5-17; and also how that he succeeded in the attempt, and got the blessing from his brother, Ge 27:18-29; and that this was confirmed to him by his father, even when his mistake was discovered upon Esau's coming, Ge 27:30-33; which occasioned a most bitter cry in Esau, a severe reflection on his brother, and an earnest expostulation with his father for a blessing, which he obtained, Ge 27:34-40; the consequence of this were hatred in Esau to Jacob, and an intention to kill him, which Rebekah hearing of, advised Jacob to flee to her brother Laban, Ge 27:41-45; and to facilitate this, complains to Isaac of Esau's wives, and suggests, that should Jacob marry among the same people, it would add to the distress of their lives; and therefore hints it to him, that it was necessary and proper he should go to her family for a wife, Ge 27:46; and whether Isaac sent him, as the following chapter shows.