Genesis 27:7

KJV

Bring me venison, and make me savoury meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before the LORD before my death.

KJV (with Strong's)

Bring {H935} me venison {H6718}, and make {H6213} me savoury meat {H4303}, that I may eat {H398}, and bless {H1288} thee before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} before {H6440} my death {H4194}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'Bring me game, and make it tasty, so I can eat it. Then I will give you my blessing in the presence of ADONAI, before my death.'

Berean Standard Bible

‘Bring me some game and prepare me a tasty dish to eat, so that I may bless you in the presence of the LORD before I die.’

American Standard Version

Bring me venison, and make me savory food, that I may eat, and bless thee before Jehovah before my death.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 27:7 captures Isaac's solemn instruction to his eldest son, Esau, to prepare a specific meal of venison and savoury meat. This request was a crucial preliminary step for Isaac to bestow the patriarchal blessing, a profound and binding spiritual pronouncement of inheritance and divine favor, upon Esau "before the LORD" and before Isaac's impending death. The verse underscores the ceremonial importance of the act and Isaac's desire to fulfill his patriarchal duty.

### CONTEXT
Genesis 27:7 is a pivotal verse in the unfolding drama of Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Esau, setting the stage for the deception that would profoundly alter the course of their family history. At this point, Isaac is old and blind, sensing his approaching death and desiring to bestow the patriarchal blessing, a powerful and binding spiritual pronouncement, upon his firstborn son, Esau. This blessing was not merely a wish but a prophetic declaration of future prosperity, leadership, and divine favor within the covenant line. Isaac's request for venison and a special meal stems from a cultural practice where significant events, particularly blessings, were often accompanied by a ceremonial feast. This act was intended to prepare both the giver and receiver for the solemnity of the moment, seeking to invoke God's presence and approval for the blessing to be pronounced [as seen in Genesis 27:4](/genesis/27-4 "Isaac's full instruction to Esau").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 27:7 states, "Bring me venison, and make me savoury meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before the LORD before my death." This verse reveals Isaac's deliberate and ritualistic approach to bestowing the patriarchal blessing:

* **"Bring me venison, and make me savoury meat," and "that I may eat"**: These commands highlight the specific nature of Isaac's desire and the personal, physical aspect of the ritual. "Venison" (צַיִד, _tsayid_) refers to game hunted by Esau, emphasizing his skill as a hunter and Isaac's preference for him. The phrase "savoury meat" translates the Hebrew _maṭʿammîm_ (מַטְעַמִּים), which literally means "dainties" or "delicacies." This was not just any meal, but a specially prepared, highly palatable dish, signifying its ceremonial importance. The act of eating this particular food was integral to Isaac's preparation, perhaps to invigorate him or to create a specific sensory experience that would accompany the solemnity of the blessing. Isaac intended to partake of the meal as a preparatory act, perhaps believing it would attune him spiritually or physically for the weighty task of pronouncing a blessing that carried divine authority.
* **"and bless thee before the LORD"**: This is the core purpose of the meal. The "blessing" (בְּרָכָה, _berakah_) was a formal, prophetic declaration of divine favor, inheritance, and future prosperity. To pronounce it "before the LORD" signifies that the blessing was not merely a human pronouncement but was invoked in the very presence of God, giving it divine authority and spiritual weight. This made the blessing sacred and, in their understanding, irreversible once spoken. It was understood to be a conduit for God's covenant promises to Abraham to pass to the next generation.
* **"before my death"**: Isaac's awareness of his advanced age and impending mortality adds urgency and solemnity to his request. He desired to fulfill his duty as patriarch by formally passing on the spiritual legacy and covenant promises before his passing, ensuring the continuity of the family line and its divine destiny.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **The Patriarchal Blessing:** This verse underscores the profound importance and perceived irrevocability of the firstborn blessing in ancient Israelite culture. It was understood to convey spiritual authority, inheritance, and God's covenant promises, believed to be binding once given.
* **Human Preference vs. Divine Will:** Isaac's clear preference for Esau, the skilled hunter, is evident in his request. However, this stands in stark contrast to God's earlier prophecy to Rebekah that "the elder shall serve the younger" [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "God's prophecy to Rebekah about Jacob and Esau"), foreshadowing the eventual transfer of the blessing to Jacob, albeit through deceptive means. This highlights the tension between human plans and God's sovereign purposes.
* **Ritual and Preparation:** The specific request for "venison" and "savoury meat" emphasizes the ceremonial aspect of the blessing. The meal was intended to be a personal, sensory experience for Isaac, believed to enhance the spiritual efficacy of the blessing given "before the LORD."
* **Mortality and Legacy:** Isaac's phrase "before my death" reveals his awareness of his mortality and his desire to fulfill his duty as patriarch by passing on the spiritual legacy and covenant promises before he passes on. This speaks to the importance of intergenerational transfer of faith and heritage.
* **The Nature of Blessing:** The verse illustrates that blessings were not mere good wishes but potent, divinely-invoked declarations believed to shape the recipient's future. The act of blessing was a sacred, almost priestly function of the patriarch.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 27:7 reminds us of several enduring truths. Firstly, it illustrates the profound impact of words, especially those spoken with intent and authority within a spiritual context. Isaac believed his blessing would be final and binding, highlighting the weight we should give to our declarations, particularly those involving promises or commitments. Secondly, it subtly highlights the tension between human plans and God's sovereign will. While Isaac intended to bless Esau according to his own preference, God's ultimate purpose for Jacob prevailed, even through the flawed actions of humans. This narrative encourages us to seek God's will above our own preferences, trusting that His purposes will ultimately stand, as [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails") affirms. Finally, it underscores the importance of intentionality in passing on spiritual heritage and values within families, though ideally, through integrity and truth, not deception.

### FAQ

**Why was a specific meal, like venison and savoury meat, so important for the blessing?**

Answer: The meal served multiple purposes. Culturally, significant events like blessings or covenants were often sealed with a shared meal, symbolizing fellowship and agreement. For Isaac, the "savoury meat" was a personal preference, intended to bring him pleasure and perhaps invigorate him for the solemn act. It also served as a ritualistic preparation, creating a sensory and ceremonial atmosphere that enhanced the perceived spiritual efficacy and solemnity of the blessing.

**What does "bless thee before the LORD" signify?**

Answer: This phrase indicates that the blessing was not merely a human wish but a sacred pronouncement invoked in the presence of God. It implied that God was a witness and the ultimate guarantor of the blessing's fulfillment. This made the patriarchal blessing profoundly spiritual, carrying divine authority and making it, in their understanding, irrevocable once uttered.

**Was the patriarchal blessing truly irrevocable, even if given deceptively?**

Answer: In the narrative, the blessing, once pronounced, was treated as binding and irreversible. Isaac lamented his deception but did not revoke the blessing given to Jacob. The theological understanding was that a blessing spoken "before the LORD" carried a divine weight that human will could not easily undo. This highlights the power of spoken words within a covenantal framework, even as God's sovereign plan ultimately works through human actions, flawed or otherwise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The patriarchal blessing sought by Isaac, a declaration of earthly inheritance and divine favor, foreshadows the ultimate spiritual blessings and inheritance found in Christ. While Isaac's blessing was tied to physical lineage and land, Jesus Christ is the true heir of all things, through whom believers receive an eternal, spiritual inheritance [Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3-14 "Spiritual Blessings in Christ"). The tension between Isaac's human preference for Esau and God's divine purpose for Jacob points to God's sovereign plan of salvation, which is not based on human merit, birthright, or even deception, but on His gracious election and the perfect work of Christ. Christ Himself is the ultimate "savoury meat," the Bread of Life [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus the Bread of Life"), whose sacrifice provides true spiritual sustenance and through whom we are truly blessed "before the LORD," receiving an irrevocable, eternal blessing and adoption into God's family.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.