Meaning of Genesis 27
Genesis 27 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Bible. This chapter tells the story of Isaac’s blessing to his son Jacob, which was meant for his eldest son Esau.
Isaac is aging and nearly blind. He calls his firstborn, Esau, and asks him to hunt for game and prepare a dish that he loves, so he can eat and bless Esau before he dies. However, Rebekah, their mother, overhears this conversation. When Esau goes out to hunt, Rebekah takes action.
Rebekah instructs Jacob to fetch two young goats; she prepares Isaac’s favorite dish from them. She then dresses Jacob in Esau’s clothes and covers his hands and neck with the skin of the goats in order to mimic Esau’s hairy body, as Jacob was smooth-skinned.
Jacob presents himself to Isaac with the food. Ignoring his doubts (as Jacob’s voice was different than Esau’s), Isaac blesses Jacob, thinking him to be Esau because of his smell and “hairy” hands.
When Esau returns and discovers what has happened, he is inconsolable; his blessing has already been given to Jacob. Isaac, unable to withdraw the blessing, is compelled to bless Esau with a less desirable blessing. Esau is furious and swears to kill Jacob once their father dies. Rebekah, learning of this, sends Jacob away to her brother Laban in Haran.
In a nutshell, Genesis 27 portrays the power of destiny, the significance of blessings, parental favoritism, rivalry between siblings, and consequences of deception.
Genesis 27 kjv
Genesis 27 is a chapter in the Bible within the Old Testament. It details the story of how Jacob, with the assistance of his mother Rebekah, tricks his father Isaac into giving him the blessing that was meant for his older brother Esau.
Here is a simplified breakdown of the story:
1. The chapter begins with Isaac, who is old and almost blind, asking his favorite son, Esau, to hunt some wild game and prepare his favorite dish, so that he might bless him before he dies.
2. Overhearing this, Rebekah schemes to help her preferred son, Jacob, receive that blessing instead. She prepares a favorite meal of Isaac’s and dresses Jacob in Esau’s clothes, even using goat skins to simulate Esau’s hairy arms.
3. Jacob then goes to Isaac and pretends to be Esau. Isaac is skeptical because the voice is Jacob’s, but the hands feel like Esau’s. Tricked by the disguise, Isaac ends up blessing Jacob with prosperity and ruling power, effectively passing on the Abrahamic Covenant (God’s promise) to Jacob instead of Esau.
4. Later, when Esau returns and discovers the deception, he is devastated. He pleads with Isaac for a blessing too. Although Isaac initially says he has none left to give, he eventually blesses Esau, predicting that Esau will live by the sword and serve his younger brother. However, Esau will break free from this servitude.
5. The chapter ends with Rebekah suggesting that Jacob flee to her brother Laban in Haran. She’s concerned that Esau might try to kill Jacob in his anger.
This story raises themes of deceit, favoritism, rivalry, and the ultimate triumph of God’s predetermined plan, even amid human trickery. Jacob’s receipt of Isaac’s blessing is significant in biblical history as he becomes the father of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Genesis 27 nkjv
Genesis 27 in the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible tells the story of Isaac blessing his son Jacob instead of his older son Esau. Isaac has become blind and old, and he asks Esau, who he believes to be his first-born, to hunt for some game and prepare his favorite dish, after which he would bless him.
They didn’t know that their mother, Rebekah, had overheard this. Since she favorited Jacob, she wanted him to receive his father, Isaac’s blessing instead of Esau. Rebekah concocts a plan where Jacob disguises as Esau, bringing Isaac meat from the flocks they had at home so that the blinded Isaac would bless him instead.
Jacob follows his mother’s plan, dressing in Esau’s clothes and even using goat hides to mimic Esau’s hairy skin. Although Isaac is suspicious, he is tricked by Jacob’s disguise and gives him his blessing.
When Esau returns and the deceit is uncovered, Isaac is shocked but unable to reverse the blessing he already gave to Jacob. Esau is furious with Jacob for stealing his blessings and birthright. Rebekah learns of Esau’s intent to kill Jacob once Isaac dies, so she forms another plan to send Jacob away to her brother Laban in Haran.
Genesis 27 highlights the themes of deception, family, favoritism, and the ensuing consequences for these actions. It sets the stage for the continuation of God’s covenant through Jacob’s lineage, despite the deceptive means used to secure the blessing.
Genesis 27 niv
Genesis 27 belongs to the First Book of the Bible, which is part of the Old Testament. This chapter tells the story of how Isaac’s older son, Esau, was deceived by his younger brother, Jacob.
In the beginning of Genesis 27, Isaac, who is old and nearly blind, calls for his eldest son Esau. Isaac asks Esau to prepare some tasty food for him so that he could bless him before he dies. Rebekah overhears this conversation and forms a plot to get Jacob receive the blessing instead.
Rebekah instructs Jacob to bring two young goats and she prepares the food the way Isaac likes. To complete the deception, she dresses Jacob in Esau’s clothes and covers his hands and neck with the skins of the goats so that Jacob would feel like Esau to the touch.
Jacob brings the food to Isaac, pretending to be Esau. Isaac is surprised by how quick ‘Esau’ has been able to find and prepare the food. Jacob claims that “The LORD your God gave me success.” Isaac asks Jacob to come close so he could touch him, to reaffirm if he was indeed his son Esau. Jacob goes close to his father and after touching the hands, Isaac apparently believes that it is Esau.
Isaac eats, drinks, and after Jacob kisses him, he smells the clothes and finally blesses him, believing he’s blessing Esau. The essence of the blessing is that Jacob would have abundance of grain and wine, be lord over his brothers, and that his mother’s sons would bow down to him and those who curse him would be cursed and those who bless him would be blessed.
After a while, the real Esau comes back with his prepared food and wants his father’s blessing. Upon hearing this, Isaac trembles violently and realizes he was deceived but acknowledges that the blessing he gave Jacob will stand.
When Esau hears this, he is bitter and cries for his father to bless him also but Isaac says he’s made Jacob lord over him and has blessed him with grain, wine and servants, and asks what’s left for Esau. Esau continues to beg until Isaac gives him a secondary blessing, which is more of a prophecy – predicting that Esau would live by the sword and would serve his brother, but a time would come when he would break loose and shake off the yoke from his neck.
Esau naturally held a grudge against Jacob for stealing his blessing and planned to kill him after their father’s death. Rebekah hears of this and sends Jacob away to her brother Laban to escape Esau’s wrath.
What is Genesis 27 all about?
Genesis 27 is part of the Bible’s Old Testament and focuses on the story of Isaac’s blessings to his sons, Jacob and Esau.
In the beginning of the chapter, Isaac, who is aging and losing his eyesight, asks his eldest son Esau to hunt game and prepare a meal for him, promising to bless him before he dies. Rebekah, the mother of the twins, overhears this and informs their other son, Jacob. Rebekah devises a plan and orders Jacob to fetch two young goats from their flock. She prepares a meal just how Isaac likes it and dresses Jacob in Esau’s clothes, even covering his hands and neck with goat’s skin, since Esau was hairy while Jacob was smooth-skinned.
Jacob, although initially afraid of the deceit, approaches his father with the prepared meal claiming to be Esau. Isaac is a bit suspicious because of Jacob’s voice but is convinced it’s Esau due to the feel of his hands. Isaac then eats the prepared food and blesses Jacob with the blessings intended for Esau.
When Esau returns from the hunt and discovers what has happened, he is distraught and pleads with his father for a blessing as well. Isaac informs him that he already gave the blessing (which is irrevocable) to Jacob and that Esau will live a life serving his brother. However, Isaac does bless Esau to live by his sword and that he shall break the yoke of servitude from his neck eventually. Esau harbors a grudge against Jacob and plans to kill him once their father dies.
Rebekah learns about Esau’s plan and advises Jacob to flee to her brother Laban in Haran until Esau’s fury subsides. She then convinces Isaac to send Jacob to her brother’s place to find a suitable wife, and Isaac blesses Jacob again before he leaves.
This chapter plays a key point in biblical history as Jacob, through these blessings, becomes the one to continue Abraham’s covenant with God.
What does Genesis 27 teaches?
Genesis 27, a chapter in the Bible, teaches several lessons about trust, deception, and family relationships. Here is a brief summary of the chapter and the main teachings:
The chapter tells the story of Isaac and his two sons, Esau and Jacob. In his old age, Isaac decides to bless his first-born son, Esau, by imparting him with the rights and privileges of the firstborn (birthright). However, Rebekah, Isaac’s wife, encourages Jacob to trick Isaac and steal Esau’s blessing.
The deceit is successful, and Jacob gets the blessing meant for Esau, causing a significant brotherly conflict. Isaac realizes too late that he blessed the wrong son and can’t reverse the blessing.
1. Manipulation and Deception: The major theme of Genesis 27 is deception. Rebekah and Jacob’s manipulation to steal Esau’s blessing shows the negative consequences of deceit. It causes familial discord, strife, and separation.
2. Importance of Blessings: In biblical times, fathers’ blessings held significant importance. They were prophetic, carrying spiritual power, and once given, they couldn’t be withdrawn. This is shown when Isaac tells Esau that he can’t take back the blessing despite the deception.
3. Consequences of Favoritism: Isaac and Rebekah each had a favorite son, which led to jealousy, competition, and ultimately deception. The chapter teaches that favoritism can have damaging and lasting impacts on family relationships.
4. God’s Sovereign Will: Despite the deceit, the events of Genesis 27 aligned with God’s prophecy that the older brother (Esau) would serve the younger (Jacob). This suggests that even in situations where people act wrongly, God’s ultimate plans can still prevail.
Genesis 27 teaches that trust and honesty are vital in familial relationships and that deceit and manipulation can lead to profound harm and regret.
A Sermon on Genesis 27
Genesis 27 is one of the pivotal chapters in the Bible, centered around the deception of Isaac by Jacob, who was aided by his mother, Rebekah. Here’s a simple sermon explanation based on this chapter.
Title: Blessings, Deception, and Destiny
1. The Pursuit of Blessing (Genesis 27:1-4)
Isaac, being old and near to death, asks his eldest son, Esau, to hunt and prepare him the savory meat that he loves. He promises to bless Esau before his death. This shows the importance of blessings during those times. Isaac wanted to impart to Esau, his firstborn, the blessing of abundance, prosperity, and leadership, which were traditionally granted to the firstborn.
2. The Plot of Deception (Genesis 27:5-17)
However, Rebekah, who had heard this, hatched a plan to have Jacob receive the blessing instead. She prepared Isaac’s favorite food, clothed Jacob in Esau’s garments and placed goatskins on his hands and neck to mimic his brother’s hairy skin. The ethics of their actions raise many questions but also show the desperation and lengths people might go to secure blessings.
3. The Act and the Blessing (Genesis 27:18-29)
Deceived by Jacob’s disguise and the savory meat, Isaac blessed Jacob, believing him to be Esau. The blessing consisted of prosperity, dominance over nations and siblings, and the favor of God. Subsequent biblical narratives show how this blessing shaped Jacob’s life and the nation of Israel.
4. The Aftermath (Genesis 27:30-46)
Upon discovering the deceit, Esau was heartbroken and pleaded with his father for a blessing too. Isaac, however, informed him that he had given Jacob the blessing of the firstborn and it could not be taken back. Esau’s bitterness toward Jacob increased to a point where he contemplated killing him. To protect Jacob, Rebekah sent him to her brother Laban in Haran, symbolizing the consequences of deceit and dishonesty.
Key Takeaway: The story of Genesis 27, though filled with deception and betrayal, highlights the depth of God’s sovereignty. It’s a story about human ambition, divine intervention, and the ultimate triumph of God’s will. Despite the cunning intentions of Rebekah and Jacob, this situation leads to the fulfillment of God’s earlier prophecy—that the elder will serve the younger. In the end, it serves as a reminder that deceit is neither required nor rewarded, God’s plans will prevail despite human schemes.
Key people in Genesis 27
Genesis 27 is a significant chapter in the Bible that tells the story of Isaac, Rebecca and their two sons – Esau and Jacob.
1. Isaac: He is the son of Abraham and Sarah, the husband of Rebecca, and the father of Esau and Jacob. In Genesis 27, he is depicted as being old and nearing death. He asks Esau, the elder son, to bring him some game and prepare a meat dish so that he may bless him before he dies.
2. Rebecca: She is Isaac’s wife and the mother of Esau and Jacob. Upon hearing Isaac’s intentions to bless Esau, she devises a plan to secure the blessing for Jacob, the younger son.
3. Esau: He is the elder son of Isaac and Rebecca. He is a hunter and his father’s favorite. He follows his father’s request to hunt game in order to receive his blessing. While he is out hunting, Jacob takes his blessing.
4. Jacob: Jacob is the younger twin brother of Esau. Influenced by Rebecca, Jacob tricks his blind and feeble father, Isaac, into giving him the blessing intended for Esau by impersonating his elder brother Esau.
5. God: God is not a character in this chapter in the traditional sense, but his influence and sovereignty over the situation is implied throughout the story.
This story reflects an integral part of the Bible’s narrative, setting the stage for Jacob’s later journey to becoming the patriarch of the Israelites and establishing the priority of the spiritual over the physical.
Real world examples on Genesis 27
Genesis 27 tells the story of Jacob and Esau, illustrating many themes applicable to real-world scenarios, including deception, favoritism, blessing, consequences,, and sibling rivalry.
1. Deception: In Genesis 27, Jacob deceives his father, Isaac, into giving him the birthright meant for his older brother. Similarly, in the real world, deception is rampant in many sectors, such as business, politics, relationships, and more. Some individuals often use deception to get ahead or protect their interests.
2. Favoritism: The chapter also reveals that Isaac and Rebekah each had their favored child. This is something we often see in families where parents favor one child over another, which can lead to resentment and conflict, just as it did with Jacob and Esau.
3. Blessing: Isaac blesses Jacob thinking it’s Esau, emphasizing the power of spoken words and blessings. In our world, we observe the impact words carry, especially those from authoritative figures or loved ones. Blessings and curses alike can shape an individual’s life or perspective.
4. Consequences: The story portrays that Jacob and Rebekah’s deception leads to dire consequences, illustrating that actions have repercussions. When Jacob flees from his angered brother, we see a real-life lesson: untruthful and dishonest actions often lead to adverse outcomes and separation.
5. Sibling Rivalry: This is a universal experience shared by many siblings in the world. The completion between siblings can be for attention, parental favor, or anything that is perceived as limited. The rivalry between Jacob and Esau for their father’s approval and blessing is a clear illustration.
Brief Explanation of Genesis 27
Genesis 27 is a chapter in the Bible about deceit and trickery within Isaac’s family.
In the beginning of the chapter, Isaac is old and almost blind. He calls his elder son, Esau, and asks him to go hunting and prepare some tasty food for him, so that he can bless him before he dies.
Rebekah, Isaac’s wife, overhears this conversation. She decides to deceive Isaac into blessing their younger son, Jacob, instead of Esau. Jacob hesitates at first, fearing that they will be cursed if Isaac finds out about their deceit. However, Rebekah convinces Jacob to go along with her plan.
Jacob tricks his father by wearing Esau’s clothes and covering his arms and neck with goat skins to mimic Esau’s hairiness. He offers a meal prepared by Rebekah to his father, pretending it to be the game that Esau shot. Fooled by this, Isaac gives Jacob the blessing intended for his brother.
Esau returns from the hunt, discovers the deceit and is deeply distressed. He begs his father for a blessing, but Isaac says that he has already given the blessing to Jacob, and he cannot revoke it. Esau is filled with resentment towards Jacob for stealing both his birthright and his blessing.
Isaac, realizing that Esau is planning to kill Jacob, sends Jacob away to Rebekah’s brother Laban in Haran, instructing him to marry a woman from there instead of the local Canaanite women. The chapter ends with Esau marrying his cousin in a bid to please his father.
Frequently asked questions for Genesis 27
Genesis 27 is a part of the Bible that tells the story of Isaac, Rebecca, Esau and Jacob. Here are some frequently asked questions related to this chapter:
1. What is the main theme of Genesis 27?
Genesis 27 mainly presents the theme of deceit and its consequences. It tells the story of how Jacob, with his mother Rebecca’s help, deceives his father Isaac into giving him the blessing intended for his older brother, Esau.
2. Why did Rebecca want Jacob to get the blessing instead of Esau?
Rebecca favored Jacob over Esau. In Genesis 25:23, it was prophesied that the older of her two sons would serve the younger. When she overheard Isaac planning to bless Esau, she devised a plan to ensure this prophecy would come true.
3. How did Jacob deceive Isaac in Genesis 27?
Jacob, guided by his mother Rebecca, covered himself with goatskin to mimic the hairiness of his brother Esau. He also prepared a meal to bring to his father, Isaac, which was supposed to be Esau’s responsibility. These actions deceived Isaac into believing that Jacob was Esau, allowing Jacob to receive the blessing prepared for Esau.
4. What was the blessing that Jacob received?
Isaac blessed Jacob with material abundance and political dominance. Specifically, it was a blessing of the dew of heaven, the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain and wine. Additionally, it was a decree that nations would bow down to Jacob, essentially making him a ruler.
5. What was Esau’s reaction to the deception and the stolen blessing?
Esau was distraught when he found out that his brother had tricked their father and received the blessing intended for him. He begged his father for another blessing. When this wasn’t possible, his hurt and betrayal turned to anger, and he planned to kill Jacob after their father’s death.
6. How does this chapter relate to the overall narrative of the Bible?
The deception and its fallouts form part of the larger narrative of human sinfulness in the Bible. It also emphasizes the sovereignty of God as He continues to work His divine plan, regardless of human actions. Additionally, it sets the stage for future conflict and reconciliation between Jacob and Esau, which impact following generations of their lineage.
Possible References for Genesis 27
Genesis 27 is a chapter from the Old Testament of the Bible, particular to the Book of Genesis. The chapter tells a pivotal story of deception within the family of Isaac, son of Abraham, whose descendants are figuratively referred to as the Judeo-Christian tradition.
1. Isaac, Esau, and Jacob: In this chapter, Isaac, who has become old and nearly blind, calls in his older son Esau to bless him before his death. Jacob, in collaboration with his mother Rebekah, tricks his father Isaac into thinking he is Esau and manages to successfully steal his brother Esau’s blessing.
2. Rebekah’s Role: Rebekah plays a key role in this chapter. She overheard Isaac’s conversation with Esau and quickly created a plan to deceive her husband so that her favorite son, Jacob, would receive the blessing.
3. The Deception: The deception involves Jacob disguising as Esau, using goat’s skin to mimic Esau’s hairiness, and his clothing to match his smell since Isaac had practically lost his sight. Isaac was truthfully doubtful at first, but he ultimately gives Jacob the blessing intended for Esau.
4. The Blessing: The blessing was believed to be godly and irrevocable, which is why it was such a significant incident. The blessing involved prosperity and power, giving dominion over lands and peoples, including siblings.
5. Esau’s Reaction: When Esau returns and the deception is revealed, he is understandably upset. His outcry and bitter tears reflect his anguish. Isaac gives him a secondary blessing, but Esau is filled with anger and contemplates killing Jacob once their father dies.
6. Jacob’s Flight: Rebekah, sensing Esau’s hostility, advises Jacob to escape to her brother Laban’s place in Haran until Esau’s fury subsides.
These references are used to illustrate themes of deception, family dynamics, destiny, and also the divine will and providence in the biblical tradition.
Conclusion on Genesis 27
Genesis 27 is a chapter in the Bible from the Book of Genesis. This story involves Isaac, his sons Esau and Jacob, and his wife Rebekah.
Rebecca overhears Isaac promising Esau his blessing once Esau brings him his favorite wild game to eat. Acknowledging that in their aged father’s eyes Esau is the favorite, she calls Jacob and instructs him to disguise as Esau by putting goat skins on his arms and neck, and trick Isaac into giving him the blessing intended for Esau.
Jacob follows his mother’s instructions and goes to Isaac. Isaac initially confused due to Jacob’s voice but after touching the goat skin, he assumes it’s Esau. Jacob feeds his father and asks for his blessing which Isaac grants, unaware that he’s actually blessing Jacob instead of Esau.
When Esau returns and finds what has happened, he’s enraged and vowed to kill Jacob once their father dies. Rebekah learns of Esau’s intentions and sends Jacob away to her brother Laban in Haran.
The conclusion of Genesis 27 involves deception, loss, and a divided family. Jacob received the blessings and inheritance deceitfully by fooling his aging father with the help of his mother, who favored him. Esau lost his blessing and birthright, which caused bitter resentment and hate towards Jacob. Fearing for Jacob’s life, Rebekah sent Jacob away. The deception led to family conflict and separation.