Genesis Chapter Twenty-Seven Series

GENESIS CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN OVERVIEW

Overall what is happening in this chapter is that Jacob receives the blessing of Isaac with the help of Rebekah and trickery.

Thomas Coke (1801) – Genesis 27

Jacob, clothed in the garments of Esau, is blessed by Isaac. Esau, hearing of Jacob's action, is full of anger, and earnestly requests a blessing from his father. His father confirms the blessing given to Jacob, and foretells that Esau should be his servant, but that he should afterwards break his yoke from off his neck.

Matthew Henry (1708) – Genesis 27

In this chapter we have:

1. Isaac sends Esau for venison. (Genesis 27:1-5)

2. Rebekah teaches Jacob to obtain the blessing. (Genesis 27:6-17)

3. Jacob pretends to be Esau and obtains the blessing. (Genesis 27:18-29)

4. Isaac's fear, Esau's importunity. (Genesis 27:30-40)

5. Esau threatens Jacob's life, Rebekah sends Jacob away. (Genesis 27:41-46)

John Gill (1776) – Genesis 27

In this chapter we are informed:

that Isaac, being old and dim sighted, sent for Esau to get him venison, that he might eat of it, and bless him before he died, (Genesis 27:1);

that Rebekah hearing of this formed a scheme for Jacob to get the blessing before him, which she communicated to Jacob, to which he at first objected, but afterwards complied, (Genesis 27:5);

and also how that he succeeded in the attempt, and got the blessing from his brother, (Genesis 27:18);

and that this was confirmed to him by his father, even when his mistake was discovered upon Esau's coming, (Genesis 27:30);

which occasioned a most bitter cry in Esau, a severe reflection on his brother, and an earnest expostulation with his father for a blessing, which he obtained, (Genesis 27:34);

the consequence of this were hatred in Esau to Jacob, and an intention to kill him, which Rebekah hearing of, advised Jacob to flee to her brother Laban, (Genesis 27:41);

and to facilitate this, complains to Isaac of Esau's wives, and suggests, that should Jacob marry among the same people, it would add to the distress of their lives; and therefore hints it to him, that it was necessary and proper he should go to her family for a wife, (Genesis 27:46);

and whether Isaac sent him, as the following chapter shows.

KEY VERSE

Genesis 27:3-4 "Now then, please take your gear, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me; and prepare a savory dish for me such as I love, and bring it to me that I may eat, so that my soul may bless you before I die."

KEY EVENT

Jacob obtains Isaac’s blessing through deceit.

KEY THOUGHT

Even through human will and deception God’s will is achieved.

Genesis 25:23 The LORD said to her, "Two nations are in your womb; And two peoples will be separated from your body; And one people shall be stronger than the other; And the older shall serve the younger."

KEY QUOTE

“He (Esau) hated him for no other reason but because his father blessed him (Jacob) and God loved him. The happiness of saints is the envy of sinners. Whom Heaven blesses – Hell curses.” Matthew Henry