Genesis 27:9

KJV

Go now to the flock, and fetch me from thence two good kids of the goats; and I will make them savoury meat for thy father, such as he loveth:

KJV (with Strong's)

Go {H3212} now to the flock {H6629}, and fetch {H3947} me from thence two {H8147} good {H2896} kids {H1423} of the goats {H5795}; and I will make {H6213} them savoury meat {H4303} for thy father {H1}, such as he loveth {H157}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Go to the flock, and bring me back two choice kids. I will make it tasty for your father, the way he likes it;

Berean Standard Bible

Go out to the flock and bring me two choice young goats, so that I can make them into a tasty dish for your father—the kind he loves.

American Standard Version

Go now to the flock, and fetch me from thence two good kids of the goats; and I will make them savory food for thy father, such as he loveth:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 27:9](/genesis/27-9 "Rebekah's instruction to Jacob") captures Rebekah's direct instruction to Jacob to fetch two young goats from the flock, enabling her to prepare a savory meal for Isaac. This act is the pivotal step in her elaborate scheme to deceive Isaac into bestowing the patriarchal blessing upon Jacob, her favored son, instead of Esau, the elder.

### CONTEXT
This verse is embedded within the dramatic narrative of Isaac's declining years, marked by his blindness and desire to bestow the patriarchal blessing upon his elder son, Esau, whom he favored. Rebekah, however, harbored a preference for Jacob and, recalling God's earlier prophecy that the elder would serve the younger ([Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "God's prophecy about Jacob and Esau")), devised a cunning plan. Isaac had requested Esau to hunt and prepare a specific, savory dish as a prerequisite for receiving the blessing. [Genesis 27:9](/genesis/27-9 "Rebekah's instruction to Jacob") details Rebekah's immediate and decisive action to circumvent Isaac's intention, initiating a chain of events driven by familial favoritism and profound deception.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Rebekah's command in [Genesis 27:9](/genesis/27-9 "Rebekah's instruction to Jacob") is precise and purposeful, revealing her strategic mind at work to secure the blessing for Jacob.

* **"Go now to the flock, and fetch me from thence two good kids of the goats;"**: This direct instruction from Rebekah to Jacob is the catalyst for the deception. The specificity of "two good kids of the goats" is significant. The number "**Two kids**" suggests a desire for ample meat to prepare a substantial meal, or perhaps one for the meal and another for a different purpose (e.g., to make the skins to mimic Esau's hairy arms, though this is not explicitly stated in this verse, it's part of the broader narrative). The choice of "**Kids of the goats**" highlights Rebekah's meticulous planning; goats were readily available domestic animals, and their meat, when prepared skillfully, could be made to resemble venison, which was Esau's specialty and Isaac's preference.
* **"and I will make them savoury meat for thy father, such as he loveth:"**: This phrase reveals Rebekah's intent and her knowledge of Isaac's preferences. The term "**Savoury meat**" translates the Hebrew word *maṭʿammîm* (מַטְעַמִּים), meaning '_delicacies_' or '_tasty dishes_'. It implies a specially prepared, highly palatable meal designed to appeal to Isaac's particular palate; this wasn't just any food, but the specific type Isaac desired before bestowing the blessing, making it central to the deception. The phrase "**such as he loveth**" highlights Isaac's specific culinary preference and Rebekah's intimate knowledge of it, which she exploits for her manipulative ends, demonstrating her confidence in her ability to replicate Esau's dish.

The verse, therefore, is not merely a domestic instruction but the opening move in a high-stakes familial drama, driven by a mother's determination to see her preferred son receive the coveted patriarchal blessing, even through dishonest means.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Deception and its Consequences:** The verse initiates a plan built on trickery, highlighting the pervasive presence of deception within the patriarchal narratives and its far-reaching, often negative, consequences for family relationships and individual lives.
* **The Power of the Patriarchal Blessing:** The immense value placed on the father's blessing in ancient Near Eastern culture is central. It was believed to convey spiritual authority, inheritance, and destiny, driving Rebekah and Jacob's desperate actions.
* **Human Agency vs. Divine Sovereignty:** While Rebekah and Jacob employ manipulative means, the narrative raises questions about the interplay between human actions and God's sovereign plan. God had already declared that "the elder shall serve the younger" ([Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "God's prophecy concerning Jacob and Esau")), yet the family chose dishonest methods rather than trusting God's timing and ways.
* **Familial Favoritism:** The underlying tension in the story stems from Isaac's favoritism for Esau and Rebekah's for Jacob ([Genesis 25:28](/genesis/25-28 "Isaac and Rebekah's favoritism")), illustrating how such partiality can breed jealousy, resentment, and destructive behavior within a family.
* **Food as a Catalyst for Destiny:** The "savoury meat" is more than just a meal; it is the specific trigger for the blessing, demonstrating how even seemingly mundane elements can become pivotal in the unfolding of significant events and deceptions.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 27:9](/genesis/27-9 "Rebekah's instructions for deception") serves as a potent cautionary tale about the dangers of manipulation and the enduring consequences of dishonest actions, even when seemingly aligned with a desired outcome. While Jacob ultimately received the blessing, fulfilling God's prophecy, the means employed by Rebekah and Jacob led to profound strife, years of separation, and a legacy of deception that later affected Jacob himself ([Genesis 29:25](/genesis/29-25 "Laban's deception of Jacob")). This narrative encourages believers to cultivate integrity in all their dealings, to trust God's perfect timing and methods rather than resorting to human cunning, and to recognize that God's purposes do not require our sinful means to be accomplished. It also highlights the importance of addressing favoritism within families, fostering an environment of equal love and respect to prevent resentment and destructive behaviors.

### FAQ
**Why did Rebekah ask for "two good kids of the goats"?**

Answer: Rebekah likely requested two kids to ensure there was sufficient meat to prepare a substantial and convincing "savoury meat" for Isaac. Additionally, the skins of the goats could be used to mimic Esau's hairy arms and neck, further aiding Jacob's disguise, although this specific use is detailed in later verses ([Genesis 27:16](/genesis/27-16 "Jacob disguised with goat skins")).

**What is "savoury meat" and why was it so important?**

Answer: "Savoury meat" translates the Hebrew *maṭʿammîm*, meaning 'delicacies' or 'tasty dishes'. It refers to a specially prepared, highly palatable meal that Isaac particularly loved and associated with Esau's hunting prowess. It was important because Isaac had made the enjoyment of this specific meal a prerequisite for bestowing the patriarchal blessing, making it the central element of Rebekah's deception.

**Does this story imply that deception is acceptable if it fulfills God's will?**

Answer: No, the story does not imply that deception is acceptable. While Jacob ultimately received the blessing, which aligned with God's earlier prophecy ([Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "God's prophecy about Jacob and Esau")), the narrative clearly portrays the negative consequences of Rebekah and Jacob's dishonest actions. Their deception led to familial strife, Jacob's exile, and a cycle of deceit that affected Jacob later in life. God's sovereignty does not necessitate human sin to accomplish His purposes; rather, He can work through and despite human failings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 27:9](/genesis/27-9 "Rebekah's plot to deceive Isaac") depicts a human attempt to secure a blessing through deception and manipulation, it subtly points forward to Christ in several ways. The ultimate blessing, which the patriarchs sought, finds its true and perfect fulfillment not through human cunning but through God's sovereign grace in Jesus Christ. Jacob, despite his flawed means, received the blessing that pointed to the lineage of the Messiah. Christ, as the true and perfect heir, did not obtain His blessing or our salvation through trickery but through perfect obedience and self-sacrifice, fulfilling the Abrahamic covenant and bestowing eternal blessings upon all who believe. Unlike the earthly blessing sought by Isaac's sons, the spiritual blessing in Christ is freely given, unmerited, and secured by divine faithfulness, not human stratagem, offering a superior and untainted inheritance ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ")).

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.