2/4/21

Rebekah conspires against Isaac for Jacob's blessing (Gen 27-28:9)

Gen 27-28:9 

A) Isaac desire for Esau (everything) is irrevocably given to Jacob

27:1-4) Blind Isaac ask Esau to hunt game for meal - to bless him before he dies

5-17) Rebekah eavesdrops, conspires with Jacob to impersonate Esau and take the blessing

18-25) Jacob lies, disguise, food and wine; "I am Esau, done as you told me", "LORD you God gave me success", "I am"

26-27) Isaac "kiss me", at the smell of Esau clothes on Jacob blessed him, 

 - smell of son, of field, LORD blessed

 - 28-29) God give; earth's rich produce/rain, nations serve you rule; curse or bless

Application: favoritism often backfires, bringing the opposite of our heart's desire. 

B) Isaac curses Esau, to a path of sadness, servitude, and violence (instead of owning his mistakes and going to the LORD)

30-35) Jacob leaves, Esau comes, livid Isaac realizes under deception blessed Jacob

 - Principle: Anger never leads to good decisions and our words have a lasting impact

36-38) Jacob's name, took birthright and blessing, Esau wept for any blessing from Isaac

 - Jacob means he grasps the heel, a Hebrew idiom for he takes advantage of or he deceives.

 - Isaac left nothing on the table, he went all-in when the first blessing was given, everything means everything.

 - 39-40) Isaac gives curse; away from earth riches/rain, sword, serve - restless break yoke

Application: When I'm angry, sad, despondent and hurt - I need to go to the LORD and not lash out at the people I love most.  

C) Rebekah's second interference leads to more blessing for Jacob, further cursing Esau

41-45) Esau grudge plots murder, Rebekah sends Jacob to safety until fury subsides

46) Rebekah complains to Isaac, Jacob needs a better woman from Laban in Harran

28:1-5) Isaac blessed Jacob sending him to marry a cousin of Mom's brother, God Almighty bless you like Abraham

6-9) Esau, sees Jacob honored father and mother, multiple wives, displeasing Canaanite daughter of Ishmael

Application: Manipulation will always have residual side-effects.

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