Genesis 27:17

Genesis 27:17 details a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jacob and Esau, as Rebekah, Jacob's mother, hands him the specially prepared meal intended for his father, Isaac. This act is central to the elaborate deception designed to secure the patriarchal blessing for Jacob instead of his older brother, Esau.

Context

This verse is situated within a dramatic family saga in the book of Genesis. Isaac, old and blind, desired to give his final, irrevocable blessing to his firstborn son, Esau, after Esau had hunted and prepared him a meal of wild game (Genesis 27:4). However, Rebekah, who favored Jacob (Genesis 25:28) and remembered God's prophecy that "the elder shall serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23), orchestrated a scheme. She prepared a similar meal from two young goats, dressed Jacob in Esau's clothes, and covered his hands and neck with goatskins to mimic Esau's hairy body. Verse 17 marks the moment Jacob, now disguised, is ready to present the food to his father, setting the stage for the deceptive blessing.

Key Themes

• Deception and Manipulation: The verse highlights Rebekah's active role in the deceit, preparing the meal and handing it directly to Jacob, thereby enabling the fraud. Jacob, despite initial hesitation, becomes an accomplice.
• Maternal Influence: Rebekah's strong will and determination to see her favored son blessed are evident. Her actions drive the narrative forward, demonstrating the significant impact of parental decisions on family dynamics.
• The Pursuit of Blessing: The intense desire for the patriarchal blessing, which carried immense spiritual and material significance, motivated both Rebekah and Jacob to resort to dishonest means.
• Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Imperfection: While the method was flawed and sinful, this event ultimately aligns with God's earlier prophecy regarding the two brothers. It underscores how God can work through human choices, even sinful ones, to accomplish His ultimate purposes.

Linguistic Insight

The KJV phrase "savoury meat" translates the Hebrew word maṭʿammîm (מַטְעַמִּים), which literally means "delicious foods" or "dainties." This emphasizes the specific and desirable quality of the food Isaac craved, and which Rebekah meticulously replicated to ensure the deception would succeed. The taste and aroma were crucial elements in Isaac's sensory experience, given his blindness.

Practical Application

Genesis 27:17, and the broader narrative it belongs to, offers several lessons for believers today:

• The Dangers of Deception: Even with what might be perceived as a good motive (fulfilling prophecy), resorting to lies and manipulation has severe consequences. This deception led to significant family strife, Jacob's flight, and years of separation (Genesis 27:43).
• Trusting God's Timing: The story serves as a reminder that God's promises do not require human cunning or dishonesty to come to pass. Trusting in His perfect timing and methods is always superior to resorting to our own schemes.
• Consequences of Actions: The narrative illustrates that choices have lasting impacts, not only on individuals but on entire families and future generations.