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Genesis 27

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‹ Chapter 26 Genesis — All Chapters Chapter 28 ›

1 When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he could no longer see, he called his older son Esau and said to him, “My son.” “Here I am,” Esau replied. 2 “Look,” said Isaac, “I am now old, and I do not know the day of my death. 3 Take your weapons—your quiver and bow—and go out into the field to hunt some game for me. 4 Then prepare a tasty dish that I love and bring it to me to eat, so that I may bless you before I die." 5 Now Rebekah was listening to what Isaac told his son Esau. So when Esau went into the field to hunt game and bring it back, 6 Rebekah said to her son Jacob, “Behold, I overheard your father saying to your brother Esau, 7 ‘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.’ 8 Now, my son, listen to my voice and do exactly as I tell you. 9 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. 10 Then take it to your father to eat, so that he may bless you before he dies." 11 Jacob answered his mother Rebekah, “Look, my brother Esau is a hairy man, but I am smooth-skinned. 12 What if my father touches me? Then I would be revealed to him as a deceiver, and I would bring upon myself a curse rather than a blessing." 13 His mother replied, “Your curse be on me, my son. Just obey my voice and go get them for me." 14 So Jacob went and got two goats and brought them to his mother, who made the tasty food his father loved. 15 And Rebekah took the finest clothes in the house that belonged to her older son Esau, and she put them on her younger son Jacob. 16 She also put the skins of the young goats on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck. 17 Then she handed her son Jacob the tasty food and bread she had made. 18 So Jacob went to his father and said, “My father.” “Here I am!” he answered. “Which one are you, my son?" 19 Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau, your firstborn. I have done as you told me. Please sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may bless me." 20 But Isaac asked his son, “How did you ever find it so quickly, my son?” “Because the LORD your God brought it to me,” he replied. 21 Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Please come closer so I can touch you, my son. Are you really my son Esau, or not?" 22 So Jacob came close to his father Isaac, who touched him and said, “The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau." 23 Isaac did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau; so he blessed him. 24 Again he asked, “Are you really my son Esau?” And he replied, “I am." 25 “Serve me,” said Isaac, “and let me eat some of my son’s game, so that I may bless you.” Jacob brought it to him, and he ate; then he brought him wine, and he drank. 26 Then his father Isaac said to him, “Please come near and kiss me, my son." 27 So he came near and kissed him. When Isaac smelled his clothing, he blessed him and said: “Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the LORD has blessed. 28 May God give to you the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth— an abundance of grain and new wine. 29 May peoples serve you and nations bow down to you. May you be the master of your brothers, and may the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed, and those who bless you be blessed." 30 As soon as Isaac had finished blessing him and Jacob had left his father’s presence, his brother Esau returned from the hunt. 31 He too made some tasty food, brought it to his father, and said to him, “My father, sit up and eat of your son’s game, so that you may bless me." 32 But his father Isaac replied, “Who are you?” “I am Esau, your firstborn son,” he answered. 33 Isaac began to tremble violently and said, “Who was it, then, who hunted the game and brought it to me? Before you came in, I ate it all and blessed him—and indeed, he will be blessed!" 34 When Esau heard his father’s words, he let out a loud and bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless me too, O my father!" 35 But Isaac replied, “Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing." 36 So Esau declared, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me twice. He took my birthright, and now he has taken my blessing.” Then he asked, “Haven’t you saved a blessing for me?" 37 But Isaac answered Esau: “Look, I have made him your master and given him all his relatives as servants; I have sustained him with grain and new wine. What is left that I can do for you, my son?" 38 Esau said to his father, “Do you have only one blessing, my father? Bless me too, O my father!” Then Esau wept aloud. 39 His father Isaac answered him: “Behold, your dwelling place shall be away from the richness of the land, away from the dew of heaven above. 40 You shall live by the sword and serve your brother. But when you rebel, you will tear his yoke from your neck." 41 Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob." 42 When the words of her older son Esau were relayed to Rebekah, she sent for her younger son Jacob and told him, “Look, your brother Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you. 43 So now, my son, obey my voice and flee at once to my brother Laban in Haran. 44 Stay with him for a while, until your brother’s fury subsides— 45 until your brother’s rage against you wanes and he forgets what you have done to him. Then I will send for you and bring you back from there. Why should I lose both of you in one day?" 46 Then Rebekah said to Isaac, “I am weary of my life because of these Hittite women. If Jacob takes a Hittite wife from among them, what good is my life?"

‹ Chapter 26 Genesis — All Chapters Chapter 28 ›

Study Notes — Genesis 27

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

Genesis 27 begins with Isaac, who is old and blind, wanting to bless his son Esau before he dies. However, Rebekah, Isaac's wife, overheard the conversation and devised a plan to ensure that Jacob, her favored son, would receive the blessing instead. With Rebekah's help, Jacob tricked Isaac into blessing him, which led to Esau's anger and a plot to kill Jacob. The chapter ends with Isaac sending Jacob away to find a wife, and Esau taking a wife from the daughters of Ishmael to try and please his father. Key verses include Genesis 27:1, where Isaac calls for Esau to hunt and prepare a meal for him, and Genesis 27:27, where Isaac blesses Jacob, saying, 'May God give you of the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth.'

Context for the Chapter

Genesis 27 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Genesis, which tells the story of creation and the early history of the world. This chapter is specifically part of the story of Isaac and his family, which serves as a type of the larger story of redemption and the coming of Jesus Christ. The events of this chapter also have implications for the rest of the book of Genesis, as the blessing of Jacob and the rejection of Esau set the stage for the subsequent stories of the patriarchs.

Heart Application

The events of Genesis 27 serve as a reminder to trust in God's sovereignty and not rely on human schemes. We are called to trust in God's plan and to seek His blessing, rather than trying to obtain it through deceitful means. As we reflect on this chapter, we are encouraged to examine our own hearts and to seek God's guidance and direction in our lives.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Genesis 27 tells the story of Isaac's blessing of Jacob, which was obtained through deception. Despite the sin and deception, God's sovereignty is evident throughout the chapter. We see the importance of trusting in God's plan and not relying on human schemes, as well as the consequences of deception. As we reflect on this chapter, we are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty and to seek His guidance and direction in our lives (Genesis 27:29).

Voices from the Church

“The blessing which Isaac bestowed upon Jacob was not a mere ceremony, but a real and effectual declaration of the Divine favor.”

— John Calvin

“The story of Jacob and Esau is a solemn reminder of the dangers of deception and the importance of trusting in God's plan.”

— Charles Spurgeon

Outline for Preaching

  1. Isaac's Plan to Bless Esau (Genesis 27:1-4) — Isaac, who is old and blind, wants to bless his son Esau before he dies. He calls for Esau to hunt and prepare a meal for him, and then he will bless him.
  2. Rebekah's Deception (Genesis 27:5-17) — Rebekah, Isaac's wife, overheard the conversation and devised a plan to ensure that Jacob, her favored son, would receive the blessing instead. She helped Jacob to trick Isaac into blessing him.
  3. Isaac Blesses Jacob (Genesis 27:18-29) — Isaac, unaware of the deception, blesses Jacob, saying, 'May God give you of the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth.'
  4. Esau's Anger and Plot to Kill Jacob (Genesis 27:30-41) — Esau is angry when he discovers that Jacob has received the blessing, and he plots to kill him. Rebekah warns Jacob and advises him to flee to her brother Laban's house.
  5. Isaac Sends Jacob Away (Genesis 27:42-46) — Isaac sends Jacob away to find a wife, and Esau takes a wife from the daughters of Ishmael to try and please his father.

Core Doctrines

Sovereignty of God
Genesis 27 highlights the sovereignty of God, as we see His plan unfolding despite human sin and deception. This serves as a reminder of God's right to choose and the importance of trusting in His plan.
Election
The concept of election is also present in this chapter, as we see God's sovereign choice of Jacob over Esau. This serves as a reminder of God's right to choose and the importance of trusting in His plan.
Deception
The dangers of deception are also highlighted in this chapter, as we see the consequences of Rebekah and Jacob's deceitful behavior. This serves as a warning against the dangers of deception and the importance of trusting in God's plan.
Redemption
The story of Jacob and Esau also serves as a type of the larger story of redemption and the coming of Jesus Christ. As Romans 9:13 says, 'Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated,' which highlights God's sovereign choice and election.

Lessons from Genesis 27

  1. Trust in God's Sovereignty — The events of Genesis 27 serve as a reminder to trust in God's sovereignty and not rely on human schemes. We are called to trust in God's plan and to seek His blessing, rather than trying to obtain it through deceitful means.
  2. Avoid Deception — The dangers of deception are highlighted in this chapter, as we see the consequences of Rebekah and Jacob's deceitful behavior. This serves as a warning against the dangers of deception and the importance of trusting in God's plan.
  3. Seek God's Guidance — As we reflect on this chapter, we are encouraged to seek God's guidance and direction in our lives. We can do this by praying, reading Scripture, and seeking the counsel of wise and godly advisors.
  4. Trust in God's Plan — The story of Jacob and Esau serves as a reminder to trust in God's plan and not rely on human schemes. We are called to trust in God's sovereignty and to seek His blessing, rather than trying to obtain it through deceitful means.
  5. Avoid Sin and Deception — The events of Genesis 27 serve as a warning against the dangers of sin and deception. We are called to avoid deceitful behavior and to trust in God's plan, rather than relying on human schemes.

Themes from Genesis 27

  1. Sovereignty of God — The sovereignty of God is a key theme in this chapter, as we see His plan unfolding despite human sin and deception. This serves as a reminder of God's right to choose and the importance of trusting in His plan.
  2. Election — The concept of election is also present in this chapter, as we see God's sovereign choice of Jacob over Esau. This serves as a reminder of God's right to choose and the importance of trusting in His plan.
  3. Deception — The dangers of deception are highlighted in this chapter, as we see the consequences of Rebekah and Jacob's deceitful behavior. This serves as a warning against the dangers of deception and the importance of trusting in God's plan.
  4. Redemption — The story of Jacob and Esau serves as a type of the larger story of redemption and the coming of Jesus Christ. As Romans 9:13 says, 'Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated,' which highlights God's sovereign choice and election.
  5. Trust in God's Plan — The events of Genesis 27 serve as a reminder to trust in God's plan and not rely on human schemes. We are called to trust in God's sovereignty and to seek His blessing, rather than trying to obtain it through deceitful means.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What are some ways in which you have tried to obtain God's blessing through deceitful means, and what were the consequences?
  2. How does the concept of election relate to your understanding of God's sovereignty and His plan for your life?
  3. What are some ways in which you can trust in God's sovereignty and not rely on human schemes in your life?
  4. How does the story of Jacob and Esau serve as a warning against the dangers of deception, and what are some ways in which you can avoid deceitful behavior in your own life?
  5. What are some ways in which you can seek God's guidance and direction in your life, and how can you trust in His plan for you?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Isaac's Plan to Bless Esau (Genesis 27:1-4)

27:1 Isaac, who is old and blind, wants to bless his son Esau before he dies. He calls for Esau to hunt and prepare a meal for him, and then he will bless him.
27:2 Isaac says to Esau, 'My son, I am old and do not know the day of my death.'

2. Rebekah's Deception (Genesis 27:5-17)

27:5 Rebekah, Isaac's wife, overheard the conversation and devised a plan to ensure that Jacob, her favored son, would receive the blessing instead. She helped Jacob to trick Isaac into blessing him.
27:6 Rebekah says to Jacob, 'I heard your father speak to your brother Esau, saying, "Bring me game and prepare a savory dish for me, that I may eat it and bless you before the Lord before I die."'

3. Isaac Blesses Jacob (Genesis 27:18-29)

27:18 Jacob came to his father and said, 'My father,' and he said, 'Here I am. Who are you, my son?'
27:27 Isaac blessed Jacob, saying, 'May God give you of the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth.'

4. Esau's Anger and Plot to Kill Jacob (Genesis 27:30-41)

27:30 As soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, Esau came in from his hunting. He too had prepared a savory dish and brought it to his father.
27:34 When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried out with a great and bitter cry, and said to his father, 'Bless me, even me also, O my father!'

5. Isaac Sends Jacob Away (Genesis 27:42-46)

27:42 The words of Esau her brother were told to Rebekah. She sent and called Jacob her son and said to him, 'Behold, your brother Esau comforts himself by planning to kill you.'
27:43 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice. Arise and go to Laban my brother in Haran.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of Genesis 27?

The main theme of Genesis 27 is the sovereignty of God and the fulfillment of His plans, despite human sin and deception. This is evident in the story of Jacob and Esau, as God's plan unfolds despite the deception and sin of the characters (Genesis 27:29).

Why did Rebekah and Jacob deceive Isaac?

Rebekah and Jacob deceived Isaac in order to obtain the blessing for Jacob, which they believed was rightfully his. However, this deception was not justified and serves as a warning against the dangers of deceitful behavior (Genesis 27:6-17).

What are the consequences of Esau's anger and plot to kill Jacob?

The consequences of Esau's anger and plot to kill Jacob are that Jacob must flee to Laban's house, and Esau takes a wife from the daughters of Ishmael to try and please his father (Genesis 27:42-46).

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Genesis 27:1 → Genesis 25:23 The story of Jacob and Esau begins in Genesis 25:23, where we see the twins struggling in the womb and God's sovereign choice of Jacob over Esau.
2 Genesis 27:27 → Hebrews 11:20 The blessing of Jacob is referenced in Hebrews 11:20, where we see the faith of Isaac and the promise of God's blessing to Jacob.
3 Genesis 27:29 → Romans 9:13 The story of Jacob and Esau serves as a type of the larger story of redemption and the coming of Jesus Christ, as Romans 9:13 says, 'Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated,' which highlights God's sovereign choice and election.
4 Genesis 27:30 → Genesis 25:28 The preference of Isaac for Esau is referenced in Genesis 25:28, where we see the favoritism of Isaac towards Esau.
5 Genesis 27:34 → Hebrews 12:17 The story of Esau's anger and plot to kill Jacob serves as a warning against the dangers of bitterness and anger, as Hebrews 12:17 says, 'For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it with tears.'
6 Genesis 27:36 → Genesis 25:23 The birth of Jacob and Esau is referenced in Genesis 25:23, where we see the twins struggling in the womb and God's sovereign choice of Jacob over Esau.
7 Genesis 27:42 → Genesis 28:1-5 The story of Jacob's flight to Laban's house is continued in Genesis 28:1-5, where we see Jacob's journey to Haran and his encounter with God at Bethel.
8 Genesis 27:43 → Genesis 31:1-55 The story of Jacob's time with Laban is referenced in Genesis 31:1-55, where we see Jacob's experiences with Laban and his eventual return to Canaan.
9 Genesis 27:46 → Genesis 28:6-9 The story of Esau's marriage to Mahalath is referenced in Genesis 28:6-9, where we see Esau's attempt to please his father by taking a wife from the daughters of Ishmael.
10 Genesis 27:1-46 → Malachi 1:2-3 The story of Jacob and Esau serves as a type of the larger story of redemption and the coming of Jesus Christ, as Malachi 1:2-3 says, 'I have loved you,' says the Lord. 'Yet you say, "How have you loved us?" "Is not Esau Jacob's brother?" declares the Lord. "Yet I have loved Jacob, but Esau I have hated.'

Sermons on Genesis 27

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 33:18-20 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses the sad and sordid chapter in the life of Jacob, who is now known as Israel. Jacob's life reflects a growth and development in his relationshi
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 37:29-33 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and his son Joseph. Jacob had deceived his own father in the past, and now he is deceived by his own sons who make him bel
Alan Redpath Loss and Recovery of Spiritual Power by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the speaker addresses the current state of the church and the need for repentance and revival. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God's work and not being
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 12 Intro by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of Abraham in the Bible and how he has remained famous for over 4,000 years. Abraham was not only a wealthy man but also a gen
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 27:18-29 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and Esau from the Bible. He emphasizes that God had already blessed Jacob, but Jacob still sought his father's blessing. J
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 27:5-17 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the deceitful actions of Rebekah towards her husband Isaac. Rebekah overhears Isaac instructing their son Esau to bring him venison so that h
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 27:42-46 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and Esau from the Bible. He highlights the role of Rebekah, the mother of Jacob and Esau, in manipulating the situation to
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 27:1-4 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the 27th chapter of the book of Genesis. The main theme of the chapter is Jacob and Rebecca's plan to deceive Isaac in order to obtain the b
Chuck Smith How to Prevail by Chuck Smith This sermon delves into the story of Jacob from the book of Genesis, highlighting his deceitful nature, his wrestling with God, and the ultimate victory found in surrendering to Go
John Calvin Election and Reprobation #11 Concerning Jacob and Esau by John Calvin In this sermon, John Calvin focuses on the story of Isaac and his blessing of his elder son. He emphasizes the frailty of human life and the constant presence of death, which shoul

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Genesis 27

In Genesis 27, we see the story of Isaac's blessing of Jacob, which was obtained through deception. Despite the sin and deception, God's sovereignty is evident throughout the chapter. Matthew Henry notes that the blessing which Isaac bestowed upon Jacob was not a mere ceremony, but a real and effectual declaration of the Divine favor. Henry also highlights the importance of trusting in God's plan and not relying on human schemes, as well as the dangers of deception and the consequences of sin. As we reflect on this chapter, we are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty and to seek His guidance and direction in our lives. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Importance of Trusting in God's Plan

We notice that the events of this chapter highlight the importance of trusting in God's plan and not relying on human schemes. Despite the deception and sin, God's sovereignty is evident throughout the chapter.

The Consequences of Deception

We also notice the consequences of deception, as Esau's anger and plot to kill Jacob serve as a warning against the dangers of deceitful behavior.

The Theme of Election

The concept of election is also noteworthy, as we see God's sovereign choice of Jacob over Esau. This serves as a reminder of God's right to choose and the importance of trusting in His plan.

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