Bible Commentaries

CONTENTS

This Chapter contains the history of Jacob's craftily obtaining the blessing of the birth-right from his father Isaac, and thereby supplanting his brother Esau: a circumstance, which unless read with a spiritual apprehension, will be to us, as it is always to the carnal, a stumblingstone and rock of offence. In this Chapter the Holy Ghost also relates the sad conduct of the Patriarch Isaac, who, notwithstanding the open revelation God made to him before the birth of his two sons, Jacob and Esau, that the elder should serve the younger, in direct defiance of this will of God, sought to entail the covenant blessing on Esau. He gives directions to Esau! how to prepare for him venison, in order to receive this blessing; Rebekah contrives by stratagem to obtain it for her son Jacob: the success of Jacob, and the disappointment of Esau, are both related in this Chapter. Esau determines to be revenged of Jacob: and Rebekah in order to prevent it, contrives to send Jacob to her brother's house by way of refuge.

Genesis 27:1

I would earnestly beseech the Reader, before he enters upon the perusal of this chapter, to consult very carefully the following scriptures: First, Genesis 25:23. Here you see, that the appointment of Jacob to the birth-right was of the Lord. Also do not forget this one thing, that He, who thought proper to have this blessing given to Jacob, by a transfer, might, had he pleased, have as easily given it by birth-right. Next consult Genesis 25:32-34, and compare with Hebrews 12:16-17. The construction which the Holy Ghost hath put on Esau's conduct, clearly proves what that conduct was. He poured contempt upon the promised blessing of redemption; and how shall the soul that rejects that mercy, be made the rich partaker of it! Thirdly, consult Malachi 1:2-3. And if these scriptures need any farther comment, let the Reader turn to Romans 9:7 to the end; and these are enough, under the divine teaching, to explain this whole transaction.

Dying patriarchs always called their households round them. Genesis 49:1; Deuteronomy 33:1.

"hunt me venison." Hebrew

This blessing was the same as that mentioned, Genesis 28:4.

There is not a passage in scripture which needs more the enlightening influences of the Holy Ghost to guide into all truth, than these verses. Various have been the opinions of Commentators upon the transaction here recorded. Almost all, and indeed everyone which I have seen, condemn the conduct of Jacob and his mother, passing by at the same time all reproof upon Isaac. I confess it appears to me that Isaac was most faulty of the whole. I venture to propose one or two thoughts upon the subject, and shall then leave the matter to the Reader himself to form his own judgment, praying that God the Holy Ghost may give him a right judgment in this, as well as all things.

The Lord had informed Rebecca, when she was with child, that she had twins in her womb, and that two manner of people should be separated from her bowels; and that the elder should serve the younger. Genesis 25:21-23. Thus informed of God himself, how could Isaac presume to counteract, or attempt to alter, the appointment of God? The method Rebecca took to defeat the purpose of her blind husband was, no doubt, a deception; but it seems to have very clearly originated from the sense she had of what God had said. Perhaps it might have been better to have openly expostulated with Isaac, and have pointed out to him the danger of despising the divine precept. But she feared probably the success. And the object appeared to her important. Certain it is, that her conduct, as well as Jacob's, on this occasion is not spoken of, in this relation of it, as incurring the divine displeasure. Neither do I find in any other part of scripture a passage to this amount. But, as I said before, I do not presume to decide upon it. The Lord the Spirit be the Reader's Teacher!

Is not this a very apt similitude of Him, who assumed our likeness, the likeness, as the apostle terms it, of sinful flesh; and was made sin for us, though he knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him? Romans 8:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:21. Reader! if you seek a blessing from God your Father, so must you be clothed, in the garment of Jesus, who is indeed our elder brother, and the first born among many brethren.

Song of Solomon 2:13; Son_4:12-13; Son_7:11-12. These scriptures prove the spirituality carried on through the whole of this transaction.

See Hebrews 11:20. Reader! remember every other mercy centers in Christ. Psalms 72:17. Compare Numbers 23:7-10, and Numbers 23:19-23.

It is probable that by this time, Isaac had learnt that the thing was of God. He now speaks positively that the blessing is sure.

Jacob means a supplanter.

Fulfilled, 2 Samuel 8:14.

No: there are not two Saviours. Jesus is one, and there is no other. Acts 4:12. Melancholy consideration in those who can be satisfied in secondary blessings. See Hebrews 12:17.

There is nothing here which distinguisheth Jesus. Lord! give me him for my portion, and in him I have all. Hosea 2:18; Ephesians 1:3.

Obadiah 1:10.

Poor mistaken mother! These few days proved somewhat more than 20 years.

In this expression of Rebekah's, was there not a believing reference to the promised seed?

REFLECTIONS

How sweet and precious is it, to behold dying believers anxious to give their last testimony, to the faith of Jesus! Though the pious parents of the present age, have not, like the Patriarchs, a prophetical benediction respecting the coming Saviour to give their children; yet have they a parental blessing at parting to deliver. And oh! how precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints, when life is closed with such an honourable testimony.

But ought not the improper, and frequently ill-bestowed, affection of parents, in the partiality among their children, to learn from this example of Isaac, how sinful it becomes in the divine eye? Reader! let us pray for grace, that nothing short of the covenant blessing, may satisfy the desires of our souls. The Lord put away far from us that awful spirit of a carnal state, which, like Esau, makes light of the covenant mercies of God in Christ Jesus, and finds, like him, no place for repentance, though it be sought even with tears.