Genesis 27:37-40

37 But Isaac replied to Esau, "Behold, I have made him 1your master, and all his relatives I have given to him as servants; and with grain and new wine I have sustained him. Now as for you then, what can I do, my son?"
38 Esau said to his father, "Do you have only one blessing, my father? Bless me, even me also, O my father." So Esau lifted his voice and 2wept.
39 Then 3Isaac his father answered and said to him, "Behold, 4away from the fertility of the earth shall be your dwelling, And away from the dew of heaven from above.
40 "By your sword you shall live, And your brother 5you shall serve; But it shall come about 6when you become restless, That you will break his yoke from your neck."

Genesis 27:37-40 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.

Cross References 6

  • 1. Genesis 27:28, 29
  • 2. Hebrews 12:17
  • 3. Hebrews 11:20
  • 4. Genesis 27:28; Deuteronomy 33:13, 28
  • 5. Genesis 25:23; Genesis 27:29
  • 6. 2 Kings 8:20-22

Footnotes 6

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