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Commentary on Genesis 27 verses 1–5
Here is, I. Isaac's design to make his will, and to declare Esau his heir. The promise of the Messiah and the land of Canaan was a great trust, first committed to Abraham, inclusive and typical of spiritual and eternal blessings; this, by divine direction, he transmitted to Isaac. Isaac, being now old, and not knowing, or not understanding, or not duly considering, the divine oracle concerning his two sons, that the elder should serve the younger, resolves to entail all the honour and power that were wrapped up in the promise upon Esau his eldest son. In this he was governed more by natural affection, and the common method of settlements, than he ought to have been, if he know (as it is probable he did) the intimations God had given of his mind in this matter. Note, We are very apt to take our measures rather from our own reason than from divine revelation, and thereby often miss our way; we think the wise and learned, the mighty and noble, should inherit the promise; but God sees not as man sees. See Sa1 16:6, Sa1 16:7.
II. The directions he gave to Esau, pursuant to this design. He calls him to him, Gen 27:1. For Esau, though married, had not yet removed; and, though he had greatly grieved his parents by his marriage, yet they had not expelled him, but it seems were pretty well reconciled to him, and made the best of it. Note, Parents that are justly offended at their children yet must not be implacable towards them.
1.He tells him upon what considerations he resolved to do this now (Gen 27:2): "I am old, and therefore must die shortly, yet I know not the day of my death, nor when I must die; I will therefore do that at this time which must be done some time." Note, (1.) Old people should be reminded by the growing infirmities of age to do quickly, and with all the little might they have, what their hand finds to do. See Jos 13:1. (2.) The consideration of the uncertainty of the time of our departure out of the world (about which God has wisely kept us in the dark) should quicken us to do the work of the day in its day. The heart and the house should both be set, and kept, in order, because at such an hour as we think not the son of man comes; because we know not the day of our death, we are concerned to mind the business of life.
2.He bids him to get things ready for the solemnity of executing his last will and testament, by which he designed to make him his heir, Gen 27:3, Gen 27:4. Esau must go a hunting, and bring some venison, which his father will eat of, and then bless him. In this he designed, not so much the refreshment of his own spirits, that he might give the blessing in a lively manner, as it is commonly taken, but rather the receiving of a fresh instance of his son's filial duty and affection to him, before he bestowed this favour upon him. Perhaps Esau, since he had married, had brought his venison to his wives, and seldom to his father, as formerly (Gen 25:28), and therefore Isaac, before he would bless him, would have him show this piece of respect to him. Note, It is fit, if the less be blessed of the greater, that the greater should be served and honoured by the less He says, That my soul may bless thee before I die. Note, (1.) Prayer is the work of the soul, and not of the lips only; as the soul must be employed in blessing God (Psa 103:1), so it must be in blessing ourselves and others: the blessing will not come to the heart if it do not come from the heart. (2.) The work of life must be done before we die, for it cannot be done afterwards (Ecc 9:10); and it is very desirable, when we come to die, to have nothing else to do but to die. Isaac lived above forty years after this; let none therefore think that they shall die the sooner for making their wills and getting ready for death.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 27:2 presents an aged and visually impaired Isaac, who, acutely aware of his own mortality, declares his ignorance of the exact timing of his death. This poignant and urgent statement serves as the immediate catalyst for the dramatic events that follow, initiating a complex narrative of familial deception, divine sovereignty, and the unexpected fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through an unconventional path.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Foreshadowing is prominent, as Isaac's declaration of his uncertain death immediately sets the stage for the dramatic events of the chapter, particularly the urgent attempt to bestow the blessing and the subsequent deception. Although Isaac lives for many more years (Genesis 35:28), his perception of imminent death drives the narrative forward. There is also a strong element of Dramatic Irony. The reader is aware, from Genesis 25:23, that God's plan is for the elder (Esau) to serve the younger (Jacob), directly contrasting with Isaac's expressed intention to bless Esau. This creates tension and anticipation, as the audience waits to see how God's sovereign will will be accomplished despite Isaac's human plans and the subsequent familial deceit.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaac's poignant reflection on his mortality in Genesis 27:2 serves as a powerful reminder of the universal human condition and the unpredictable nature of life. Theologically, it underscores the theme of divine sovereignty, demonstrating that even when human beings act with their own intentions, well-meaning or otherwise, God's ultimate purposes cannot be thwarted. Isaac's desire to bless Esau, though culturally appropriate, stood in contrast to God's earlier prophetic word concerning Jacob. This narrative, therefore, highlights God's capacity to work through imperfect human agents and flawed circumstances—including deception—to bring about His perfect will, emphasizing His faithfulness to His covenant promises despite human frailty.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaac's solemn acknowledgment of his mortality in Genesis 27:2 offers a timeless and profound challenge for believers today. It compels us to confront the brevity of our own lives, urging us to "number our days" wisely, as the psalmist prays (Psalm 90:12), and to live with intentionality and purpose in light of eternity. This narrative also prompts us to consider the spiritual legacy we are cultivating and preparing to pass on to future generations. Are we prioritizing the transmission of faith, values, and a relationship with God? Furthermore, the subsequent events initiated by this verse remind us that while we make our plans, God's ultimate will prevails. This calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereign hand, even when circumstances are complex or when human actions seem to derail our expectations, knowing that His purposes will ultimately be accomplished for His glory and our good.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Isaac so urgent about bestowing the blessing if he lived for many more years after this event?
Answer: Isaac's declaration "I know not the day of my death" reflects a genuine human uncertainty about the future, not necessarily an accurate prediction of imminent demise. In ancient cultures, the transfer of the patriarchal blessing was a critical act, often performed when the patriarch perceived himself to be nearing the end of his life, regardless of how much longer they actually lived. This ensured the proper succession and spiritual inheritance. While Isaac did live significantly longer, dying at 180 years old (Genesis 35:28), his advanced age (around 137 at this point) and severely failing eyesight (Genesis 27:1) likely led him to believe his death was near. This perception of urgency also serves as a crucial narrative device, setting the stage for the dramatic events of deception and divine intervention that follow, ultimately highlighting God's sovereign plan.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 27:2, by initiating the narrative of the contested blessing, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate divine election and blessing found in Christ. Just as God's sovereign plan for the Abrahamic covenant line prevailed despite human manipulation, Isaac's flawed intentions, and Jacob's deception, so too does God's redemptive purpose culminate perfectly in Jesus. Christ is the ultimate "blessing" promised to Abraham's descendants and to all nations (Galatians 3:14), through whom all spiritual inheritance and access to God are granted. The narrative's demonstration of God working through imperfect human agents to achieve His perfect will points to Christ, who, though sinless, willingly entered into humanity's brokenness and bore its sin to fulfill God's eternal plan of salvation (2 Corinthians 5:21). In Christ, the true "firstborn" over all creation (Colossians 1:15), the blessing is secured not by human scheme or earthly inheritance, but by divine grace and sacrifice, available to all who believe (Ephesians 1:3-6).