Genesis 27:5

And Rebekah heard when Isaac spake to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt [for] venison, [and] to bring [it].

And Rebekah {H7259} heard {H8085} when Isaac {H3327} spake {H1696} to Esau {H6215} his son {H1121}. And Esau {H6215} went {H3212} to the field {H7704} to hunt {H6679} for venison {H6718}, and to bring {H935} it.

Rivkah was listening when Yitz'chak spoke to his son 'Esav. So when 'Esav went out to the country to hunt for game and bring it back,

Now Rebekah was listening to what Isaac told his son Esau. So when Esau went into the field to hunt game and bring it back,

And Rebekah heard when Isaac spake to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt for venison, and to bring it.

Commentary

Genesis 27:5 sets the stage for one of the most significant family deceptions in the Old Testament, revolving around the patriarchal blessing intended for the firstborn son, Esau.

Context

This verse immediately precedes the elaborate scheme concocted by Rebekah and Jacob to secure the blessing for Jacob, instead of Esau. Isaac, now old and and nearly blind, desires to bestow his final, crucial blessing upon his firstborn son, Esau, after Esau prepares a savory meal for him from his hunting. The narrative of Jacob and Esau is rich with themes of sibling rivalry and divine election, rooted in God's prophecy to Rebekah that "the elder shall serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23). This verse highlights Rebekah's pivotal role as she overhears Isaac's specific instructions to Esau, which becomes the catalyst for her immediate intervention.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Rebekah's Initiative: Rebekah's act of "hearing" (Hebrew: shama', implying attentive listening with intent to act) reveals her active and decisive character. She doesn't passively observe but immediately begins to formulate a plan based on the information she gathers from Isaac's words to Esau.
  • The Power of Words: Isaac's words to Esau are not casual but carry immense weight, initiating a sacred ritual of blessing. Rebekah's interception of these words underscores their importance and her determination to alter their intended outcome.
  • Setting the Stage for Deception: This verse is the calm before the storm, the precise moment Rebekah gains the vital intelligence needed to orchestrate the deception that will follow. It emphasizes the quiet, almost conspiratorial, beginning of a major family conflict.
  • Family Dynamics: The verse subtly reveals the underlying family dynamics: Isaac's clear intention to bless Esau, his favorite (Genesis 25:28), and Rebekah's deep involvement in her sons' lives, driven by her own favoritism towards Jacob.

Linguistic Insights

The term "venison" in the KJV comes from the Hebrew word tzayid (Χ¦Φ·Χ™Φ΄Χ“), which refers to hunted game or provisions. It specifically highlights the type of wild, savory food Isaac craved, setting it apart from the domesticated animals Jacob would later prepare. Rebekah's awareness of this specific request is crucial to her plan, as she directs Jacob to fetch two good kids of the goats to mimic the taste of venison.

Practical Application

Genesis 27:5 serves as a potent reminder of how quickly family dynamics can shift when intentions are misunderstood or when individuals act on their own perceived righteousness rather than trust. It highlights the dangers of eavesdropping and manipulation within relationships. While Rebekah might have believed she was helping to fulfill God's prophecy, her chosen method of deception led to years of estrangement and hardship for her family. The narrative encourages reflection on the importance of honest communication and the long-term consequences of our actions, even when driven by seemingly good intentions. Ultimately, it also shows how God's sovereign plan can work through human imperfections and even sin to achieve His purposes.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

No cross-references found.

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