Genesis 27:20

Genesis 27:20 captures a pivotal moment in the dramatic narrative of Jacob's deception of his blind father, Isaac, to secure the patriarchal blessing meant for his elder brother, Esau. This verse highlights Isaac's immediate suspicion and Jacob's quick, but disingenuous, response.

Context of Deception

At this point in Genesis chapter 27, Isaac is old and blind, desiring to bestow his final, irrevocable blessing upon his firstborn son, Esau. He asks Esau to hunt game and prepare a savory meal. However, Rebekah, Isaac's wife, overhears this and conspires with her favored son, Jacob, to impersonate Esau. Jacob, disguised with goat skins to mimic Esau's hairy arms and wearing Esau's clothes, presents food prepared by Rebekah. Isaac, though blind, is not entirely fooled. His question, "How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son?" reveals his surprise and doubt, as hunting and preparing game typically took considerable time. This quick return immediately raises a red flag for the aging patriarch, intensifying the tension of the scene.

Key Themes and Messages

• Deception and Cunning: The verse is a stark illustration of Jacob's willingness to deceive, aided by his mother, Rebekah. Jacob's lie is audacious, invoking God's name to validate his deceit.
• Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Imperfection: While Jacob and Rebekah act out of manipulation, the larger biblical narrative reveals that God had already declared that "the elder shall serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23). This verse, therefore, paradoxically shows human sin working within the framework of God's overarching plan, though not justifying the sinful means.
• Isaac's Diminished Discernment: Isaac's physical blindness is paralleled by a certain spiritual dullness. Despite his suspicions about the voice, he struggles to discern the truth, ultimately succumbing to the deception.

Linguistic Insights

Jacob's response, "Because the LORD thy God brought it to me," is particularly notable. The Hebrew phrase for "LORD thy God" is Yahweh Eloheykha. The use of God's personal covenant name, Yahweh, in conjunction with Eloheykha (your God), by Jacob is deeply ironic and manipulative. He uses pious language to add credibility to his lie, implying divine assistance for his quick "hunt." This demonstrates the depths of his deception and his readiness to use spiritual pretexts for worldly gain.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless truths:

• The Danger of Deception: Even when one believes they are acting to fulfill a divine purpose (as Rebekah might have thought), using dishonest means is never justified. Deception, as seen later in Jacob's life (e.g., Laban's deception of Jacob in Genesis 29:25), often leads to painful consequences.
• Integrity in Faith: Attributing dishonest actions to God, as Jacob does here, misrepresents God's character. True faith calls for integrity and honesty in all our dealings, trusting God to work His will through righteous means.
• Importance of Discernment: The story underscores the need for careful discernment, both in spiritual and practical matters, to avoid being misled by appearances or persuasive words.