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Commentary on Genesis 27 verses 18–29
Observe here, I. The art and assurance with which Jacob managed this intrigue. Who would have thought that this plain man could have played his part so well in a design of this nature? His mother having put him in the way of it, and encouraged him in it, he dexterously applied himself to those methods which he had never accustomed himself to, but had always conceived an abhorrence of. Note, Lying is soon learnt. The psalmist speaks of those who, as soon as they are born, speak lies, Psa 58:3; Jer 9:5. I wonder how honest Jacob could so readily turn his tongue to say (Gen 27:19), I am Esau thy first-born; nor do I see how the endeavour of some to bring him off with that equivocation, I am made thy first-born, namely by purchase, does him any service; for when his father asked him (Gen 27:24), Art thou my very son Esau? he said, I am. How could he say, I have done as thou badest me, when he had received no command from his father, but was doing as his mother bade him? How could he say, Eat of my venison, when he knew it came, not from the field, but from the fold? But especially I wonder how he could have the assurance to father it upon God, and to use his name in the cheat (Gen 27:20): The Lord thy God brought it to me. Is this Jacob? Is this Israel indeed, without guile? It is certainly written, not for our imitation, but for our admonition. Let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. Good men have sometimes failed in the exercise of those graces for which they have been most eminent.
II. The success of this management. Jacob with some difficulty gained his point, and obtained the blessing.
1.Isaac was at first dissatisfied, and would have discovered the fraud if he could have trusted his own ears; for the voice was Jacob's voice, Gen 27:22. Providence has ordered a strange variety of voices as well as faces, which is also of use to prevent our being imposed upon; and the voice is a thing not easily disguised nor counterfeited. This may be alluded to to illustrate the character of a hypocrite. His voice is Jacob's voice, but his hands are Esau's. He speaks the language of a saint, but does the works of a sinner; but the judgement will be, as here, by the hands.
2.At length he yielded to the power of the cheat, because the hands were hairy (Gen 27:23), not considering how easy it was to counterfeit that circumstance; and now Jacob carries it on dexterously, sets his venison before his father, and waits at table very officiously, till dinner is done, and the blessing comes to be pronounced in the close of this solemn feast. That which in some small degree extenuates the crime of Rebekah and Jacob is that the fraud was intended, not so much to hasten the fulfilling, as to prevent the thwarting, of the oracle of God: the blessing was just going to be put upon the wrong head, and they thought it was time to bestir themselves. Now let us see how Isaac gave Jacob his blessing, Gen 27:26-29. (1.) He embraced him, in token of a particular affection to him. Those that are blessed of God are kissed with the kisses of his mouth, and they do, by love and loyalty, kiss the Son, Psa 2:12. (2.) He praised him. He smelt the smell of his raiment, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord hath blessed, that is, like that of the most fragrant flowers and spices. It appeared that God had blessed him, and therefore Isaac would bless him. (3.) He prayed for him, and therein prophesied concerning him. It is the duty of parents to pray for their children, and to bless them in the name of the Lord. And thus, as well as by their baptism, to do what they can to preserve and perpetuate the entail of the covenant in their families. But this was an extraordinary blessing; and Providence so ordered it that Isaac should bestow it upon Jacob ignorantly and by mistake, that it might appear he was beholden to God for it, and not to Isaac. Three things Jacob is here blessed with: - [1.] Plenty (Gen 27:28), heaven and earth concurring to make him rich. [2.] Power (Gen 27:29), particularly dominion over his brethren, namely, Esau and his posterity. [3.] Prevalency with God, and a great interest in Heaven: "Cursed by every one that curseth thee and blessed be he that blesseth thee. Let God be a friend to all thy friends, and an enemy to all they enemies." More is certainly comprised in this blessing than appears prima facie - at first sight. It must amount to an entail of the promise of the Messiah, and of the church; this was, in the patriarchal dialect, the blessing: something spiritual, doubtless, is included in it. First, That from him should come the Messiah, who should have a sovereign dominion on earth. It was that top-branch of his family which people should serve and nations bow down to. See Num 24:19, Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, the star and sceptre, Gen 27:17. Jacob's dominion over Esau was to be only typical of this, Gen 49:10. Secondly, That from him should come the church, which should be particularly owned and favoured by Heaven. It was part of the blessing of Abraham, when he was first called to be the father of the faithful (Gen 12:3), I will bless those that bless thee; therefore, when Isaac afterwards confirmed the blessing to Jacob, he called it the blessing of Abraham, Gen 28:4. Balaam explains this too, Num 24:9. Note, It is the best and most desirable blessing to stand in relation to Christ and his church, and to be interested in Christ's power and the church's favours.
The words of Jacob to his father, “I have done as you told me,” demonstrate that the Word is always obedient to his Father, as is confirmed by what he says in Ezekiel: “I did just as I was commanded.”
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SUMMARY
Genesis 27:19 records Jacob's audacious and pivotal lie to his blind father, Isaac, declaring, "I [am] Esau thy firstborn; I have done according as thou badest me: arise, I pray thee, sit and eat of my venison, that thy soul may bless me." This calculated deception, orchestrated by Rebekah, represents a critical turning point in the patriarchal narrative, showcasing human manipulation in the pursuit of a divinely promised blessing and setting the stage for a complex chain of familial conflict and divine providence.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is the climax of Jacob's bold impersonation of his elder brother, Esau, in a scheme devised by their mother, Rebekah. Immediately preceding this, Isaac, old and blind, instructs Esau to hunt venison and prepare a savory meal so he can bestow the patriarchal blessing upon him Genesis 27:1-4. Rebekah, overhearing this and favoring Jacob, quickly instructs Jacob to prepare a similar meal from the flock and disguise himself with Esau's clothes and goat skins to simulate Esau's hairy arms, ensuring the deception of Isaac's failing senses Genesis 27:5-17. Jacob, despite initial hesitation regarding the potential curse, complies, leading to this direct confrontation where he presents himself as Esau, making his claim for the blessing. The verses that follow detail Isaac's lingering doubts, his physical examination of Jacob, and ultimately, his pronouncement of the blessing, which is immediately followed by Esau's return and the shocking revelation of Jacob's deceit Genesis 27:20-38.
Historical & Cultural Context: The patriarchal blessing in ancient Near Eastern culture was far more than a mere wish; it was a legally and spiritually binding pronouncement that conveyed authority, inheritance, and divine favor for the recipient's future. It was typically given by the patriarch on his deathbed and was considered irrevocable. The firstborn son, or "firstborn," held a privileged position, inheriting a double portion of the family's wealth and the spiritual headship. Venison, being the product of a hunt, was considered a special, perhaps even ritualistic, meal, symbolizing the hunter's prowess and the provision he brought to the family. Isaac's blindness underscores his vulnerability and reliance on sensory input, making the deception by touch and smell crucial. The cultural understanding of the blessing's power and irrevocability explains why Jacob and Rebekah went to such extreme lengths to secure it, believing it to be the only way to ensure Jacob received what they perceived as his rightful destiny, given the earlier prophecy in [Genesis 25:23 "The prophecy of the elder serving the younger"].
Key Themes: Genesis 27:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is Deception and its Consequences, as Jacob's lie initiates a long chain of familial strife, separation, and even later, Jacob's own experience of deception at the hands of Laban Genesis 29:25. Another key theme is Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Imperfection, demonstrating that God's purposes are not thwarted by human sin but often work through flawed individuals and their choices to achieve His ultimate will, as seen in the continuation of the covenant line through Jacob. The narrative also explores the Value and Power of the Blessing, highlighting its profound spiritual and material significance in the ancient world and the lengths people would go to obtain it. Finally, the tension between Human Effort and Divine Promise is evident, as Jacob and Rebekah attempt to force God's prophetic word through their own manipulative actions rather than patiently trusting in His timing and methods, echoing similar struggles found in the lives of Abraham and Sarah regarding the promise of an heir Genesis 16.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage makes significant use of Irony, as Jacob, whose name means "heel-grabber" or "supplanter," literally supplants his brother through deceit, fulfilling the essence of his name. There is also Foreshadowing, as Jacob's deception here sets in motion a cycle of deceit that will later be visited upon him by Laban, highlighting the principle of "reaping what you sow." The narrative employs Sensory Imagery, particularly focusing on Isaac's reliance on touch ("the hands are the hands of Esau, but the voice is the voice of Jacob") and smell (the "smell of a field which the Lord has blessed"), which heightens the tension and underscores the precariousness of Jacob's ruse. The dialogue itself is a form of Dramatic Irony, as the reader is fully aware of Jacob's deception, while Isaac remains tragically ignorant, creating suspense and a sense of impending consequence.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 27:19 serves as a profound theological exploration of divine sovereignty coexisting with human sin and free will. While Jacob's actions are undeniably sinful and driven by impatience and manipulation, the narrative ultimately demonstrates God's ability to work through imperfect means and flawed individuals to accomplish His predetermined purposes. This does not condone Jacob's deceit but highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His chosen instruments fail ethically. The intense desire for the blessing underscores its spiritual weight and the ancient understanding of its power to shape destiny, reflecting a deep cultural belief in the spoken word's efficacy. The subsequent consequences for Jacob, including his flight and later deceptions by Laban, serve as a powerful biblical illustration that sin, even when seemingly successful in achieving a desired outcome, carries its own painful repercussions, emphasizing the enduring importance of integrity and truthfulness in all of life.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 27:19 stands as a stark reminder that while God's ultimate plans will always prevail, our methods matter deeply. Jacob's impatience and reliance on deceit to secure a blessing he believed was rightfully his, albeit through prophecy, underscore the perennial human temptation to manipulate circumstances rather than patiently trust in divine timing and provision. This passage challenges us to examine our own lives: Do we resort to shortcuts, half-truths, or outright lies to achieve our goals, even if those goals seem noble or divinely ordained? The narrative powerfully illustrates that such actions, while sometimes seemingly effective in the short term, inevitably lead to fractured relationships, internal turmoil, and often, painful consequences down the line. True faith calls for integrity, humility, and a steadfast reliance on God's sovereignty, trusting that He will fulfill His promises in His own perfect way and time, without requiring our sinful intervention. We are called to walk in truth, knowing that God honors faithfulness more than cunning.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Did God approve of Jacob's deception to obtain the blessing?
Answer: No, the biblical narrative consistently portrays deception as sin, and Jacob's actions in [Genesis 27:19 "Jacob's lie to Isaac"] are no exception. While God ultimately fulfilled His promise to Jacob and chose him as the heir to the covenant, this was not because God approved of Jacob's lie, but in spite of it. God's sovereign plan is not contingent upon human perfection or ethical behavior, but rather demonstrates His ability to work through flawed individuals to accomplish His purposes. The subsequent hardships Jacob faced, including his flight from Esau and Laban's deception of him regarding Leah and Rachel Genesis 29, are often seen as direct consequences of his initial dishonesty, illustrating that sin has repercussions even when God's ultimate will prevails. The Bible never condones deceit, even when it appears to serve a divine purpose.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Jacob's deception, while a stark portrayal of human sin and its consequences, ultimately finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Jacob, the "supplanter" who grasped for the blessing through cunning and deceit, stands in stark contrast to the true and perfect Son, Jesus Christ. While Jacob sought to secure an earthly inheritance through a lie, Christ, the ultimate heir, inherited all things not through manipulation, but through perfect obedience and self-sacrificial love Philippians 2:5-11. The patriarchal blessing, so fiercely desired by Jacob, finds its ultimate and righteous bestowal in Christ, who is the source of all spiritual blessings Ephesians 1:3. The lineage established through Jacob, despite its flaws and the sins of its patriarchs, is the very line through which the Messiah, the ultimate source of all blessing and the fulfiller of God's promises, would come Matthew 1:1-17. Christ is the one in whom all nations are truly blessed, fulfilling the Abrahamic covenant perfectly and righteously, without any deception or striving, offering a blessing of eternal life and reconciliation that far surpasses any earthly inheritance Galatians 3:14.