Genesis 27:1-28

1 Isaac was now old and had become blind. He sent for his older son Esau and said to him, "Son!" "Yes," he answered.

2 Isaac said, "You see that I am old and may die soon.

3 Take your bow and arrows, go out into the country, and kill an animal for me.

4 Cook me some of that tasty food that I like, and bring it to me. After I have eaten it, I will give you my final blessing before I die."

5 While Isaac was talking to Esau, Rebecca was listening. So when Esau went out to hunt,

6 she said to Jacob, "I have just heard your father say to Esau,

7 "Bring me an animal and cook it for me. After I have eaten it, I will give you my blessing in the presence of the Lord before I die.'

8 Now, son," Rebecca continued, "listen to me and do what I say.

9 Go to the flock and pick out two fat young goats, so that I can cook them and make some of that food your father likes so much.

10 You can take it to him to eat, and he will give you his blessing before he dies."

11 But Jacob said to his mother, "You know that Esau is a hairy man, but I have smooth skin.

12 Perhaps my father will touch me and find out that I am deceiving him; in this way, I will bring a curse on myself instead of a blessing."

13 His mother answered, "Let any curse against you fall on me, my son; just do as I say, and go and get the goats for me."

14 So he went to get them and brought them to her, and she cooked the kind of food that his father liked.

15 Then she took Esau's best clothes, which she kept in the house, and put them on Jacob.

16 She put the skins of the goats on his arms and on the hairless part of his neck.

17 She handed him the tasty food, along with the bread she had baked.

18 Then Jacob went to his father and said, "Father!" "Yes," he answered. "Which of my sons are you?"

19 Jacob answered, "I am your older son Esau; I have done as you told me. Please sit up and eat some of the meat that I have brought you, so that you can give me your blessing."

20 Isaac said, "How did you find it so quickly, son?" Jacob answered, "The Lord your God helped me find it."

21 Isaac said to Jacob, "Please come closer so that I can touch you. Are you really Esau?"

22 Jacob moved closer to his father, who felt him and said, "Your voice sounds like Jacob's voice, but your arms feel like Esau's arms."

23 He did not recognize Jacob, because his arms were hairy like Esau's. He was about to give him his blessing,

24 but asked again, "Are you really Esau?" "I am," he answered.

25 Isaac said, "Bring me some of the meat. After I eat it, I will give you my blessing." Jacob brought it to him, and he also brought him some wine to drink.

26 Then his father said to him, "Come closer and kiss me, son."

27 As he came up to kiss him, Isaac smelled his clothes - so he gave him his blessing. He said, "The pleasant smell of my son is like the smell of a field which the Lord has blessed. ¹

28 May God give you dew from heaven and make your fields fertile! May he give you plenty of grain and wine!

Genesis 27:1-28 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

• 1. 27.27-29Hebrews 11.20.