Genesis 27

Genesis 27:4

MEat] In all this we ought to look, not so much to mens actions, who cannot excuse themselves from being defective and crosse: as to the execution of Gods Oracle, Genesis 25:23. which was by these meanes, directed through his sacred providence. See Genesis 25:29 My soule] That is to say, that I may with a good will, and with all mine heart declare thee to be mine heire, and successor in the right of the spirituall blessing and Gods Covenant, and also to be the head of the blessed race. Now it seemeth, that either Isaac had not rightly understood the said Oracle; or that it was grievous to him to obey it.

Genesis 27:7

Before the] By his authority and approbation, presenting my selfe before him, as in a religious act, to desire the confirmation of his grace.

Genesis 27:8

Obey] Rebecca did understand the Oracle, Genesis 25:23. and did desire to bring it to passe: there was no defect in her, but only in the meanes which she used, which God suffered, and made to serve for his worke.

Genesis 27:13

Thy curse] This great confidence in Rebecca sheweth, either a strong inspiration, and conduct of God; or a certaine knowledge of, and faith in the aforesaid Oracle.

Genesis 27:16

The hands] &c. which are the naked and uncovered parts of the body, by which also Isaac embracing of, and touching his son, might have knowne him.

Genesis 27:23

Blessed him] That is to say, wished him all manner of good, because that here thee is not yet the formall, and patriarchall blessing which is contained ver. 28, 29.

Genesis 27:27

Smelt] It is very likely that these clothes were perfumed with some sweet sent; which being smelt by Isaac, excited in him this joy of spirit. The meaning and sense is: As a faire and fruitfull parcell of land recreates the sences, especially the smelling, through its flowers and fruits; so I do finde my selfe exceedingly delighted in the presence of that of my Children, upon which Gods blessing must rest: who shall also bring forth the true fruits thereof in piety, and holinesse.

Genesis 27:28

God] This vertue conaneth the promises which belong to this life, made unto his piety: the next hath rspect to the spirituall ones.

Genesis 27:29

Serve thee] That is to say, let the whole Church comprehended in thee and thy posterity, and represented now in thee, obtaine the right of inheheriting the world: and of the spirituall liberty and dominion over the creatures, and other men, who are but servants in the house. See Genesis 9. 25. and 25. 23. Isaiah 49:23 Galatians 4:25-26. Revelation 3:9 Thy brethren] Figuratively are understood all the men of the world, that are of the same nature as the faithfull: Cursed] by God, who taketh upon him all that is done either for, or against his Church,

Genesis 27:33

Trembled] By reason of his astonishment, seeing he had done otherwise than he intended: and there was also a kinde of divine motion, whereby God revealed unto Isaac, or put him in mind of his decree concerning his Children: inclining him through a religious feare to consent unto it And hee shall] This blessing shall stand firme and irrevocable.

Genesis 27:34

A great] With griefe that he had irrecoverably lost that good, yet without conversion or repentance.

Genesis 27:35

Thy blessing] That which seemed by right to belong to thee, as first borne.

Genesis 27:37

What shall I doe] This prerogative of being the stocke of the blessed race, must not be divided, it must remaine whole and entire, and cannot bee communicated to unbeleevers, and children of the world, which are represented by Esau.

Genesis 27:38

Hast thou] These words shew that Esau had no understanding, nor did not apprehend this true blessing, which is single and onely one. And if hee had in earnest desired to have him partaker of it, hee must have sought for it, by holding with Jacob, and with the true Church, as a member, not as head.

Genesis 27:39

The fatnesse] The Italian hath it, In the sat places of the earth] So all the blessings of worldly men consist in temporall goods, not in the grace and covenant of God.

Genesis 27:40

Shalt thou live] Though thy psterity shall bee subjcted to the Israelites, yet shall they defend themselves from them, with armes in their hands Ezec. 25. 12. Amos 1:11 A pourtraiture of the world, in maintaining it selfe in power and might against the Church, which in right and in spirit ought to bee mistresse of it: When thou shalt have the dominion] The Italian hath it, When thou shalt have groaned]That is to say, when thy progeny hath been oppressed, and subdued; others have i,When thou shalt have overcome See 2 Kings 8:20. A signe that the Church oftn loseth her right, she h〈…〉h over the world in temporall things, but never in spirituall, and everlasting things.

Genesis 27:43

Haran] The Italian hath it Charan. See Genesis 11:31. and upon Genesis 24:4; Genesis 24:10.

Genesis 27:45

Of you both] Of thee if Esau should ay thee: and of him also, who by killing of thee would bee guilty of Capitall punishment. Gnesis 9. 6. and would stand accursed, and finally punished by God Himselfe, as Cain was.

Genesis 27:46

Of my life] Rebecca would have Jacob, by the occasion of seeking a wife out of the holy race, to obtaine leave of his father, with his good liking and blessing.