Genesis Chapter 27 — Jacob Obtains Isaac’s Blessing
Jacob uses deception to receive the primary blessing from his blind father, Isaac, causing his brother Esau to seek revenge.
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Notable Verses
Genesis 27:22
“Jacob went near to Isaac his father. He felt him, and said, “The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.””
This verse highlights the tension and the sensory deception central to the narrative.
Genesis 27:34
“When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with an exceedingly great and bitter cry, and said to his father, “Bless me, even me also, my father.””
This shows the emotional weight of the lost blessing and Esau's despair.
Genesis 27:41
“Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him. Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand. Then I will kill my brother Jacob.””
This establishes the motive for Jacob's flight and the lasting rift between the brothers.
Chapter Summary
In Genesis 27, an aging and nearly blind Isaac prepares to give his final blessing to his eldest son, Esau. Rebekah overhears this and instructs her favorite son, Jacob, to deceive his father. Jacob disguises himself using Esau’s clothes and goat skins to mimic his brother's hairy hands. Isaac, though initially suspicious of the voice, is convinced by the physical touch and smell, and bestows the blessing of prosperity and dominion upon Jacob. When Esau returns from hunting and discovers the deception, he is devastated and receives a lesser blessing. Overcome with anger, Esau vows to kill Jacob once Isaac passes away. To save Jacob, Rebekah convinces Isaac to send him to her brother Laban in Haran, ostensibly to find a wife from their own kin rather than the local Hittite women.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jacob wore Esau's clothes to smell like the outdoors and placed goat skins on his hands and neck to mimic Esau's hairiness. He also lied directly to Isaac, claiming to be the firstborn son.
The text shows Rebekah favored Jacob and took the initiative to ensure he received the blessing Isaac intended for Esau. She even told Jacob she would take any potential curse upon herself.
Esau was deeply distressed and wept, eventually receiving a secondary blessing that mentioned he would live by the sword and eventually serve his brother. His immediate reaction was a desire to kill Jacob.
Following Rebekah's advice, Jacob fled to Haran to stay with his uncle Laban. This was done both to escape Esau’s wrath and to find a wife among his mother’s relatives.
Study Note
In this cultural context, an oral blessing from a father was considered a legally binding contract that determined inheritance and family leadership.
Related Chapters
Genesis Chapter 25
This chapter explains the birth of the brothers and the sale of the birthright.
Genesis Chapter 28
This chapter follows Jacob's journey as he leaves home after the events of chapter 27.
Genesis Chapter 33
This chapter depicts the eventual reconciliation between Jacob and Esau years later.
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