Genesis 27:13
His mother replied, "Your curse be on me, my son. Just obey my voice and go get them for me."
His mother replied
Rebekah, the mother of Jacob and Esau, is speaking here. Her involvement in the deception of Isaac highlights the complex family dynamics and favoritism present in the patriarchal narratives. Rebekah's actions can be seen as a fulfillment of the prophecy given to her during her pregnancy (Genesis 25:23), where it was foretold that the older would serve the younger.

“Your curse be on me, my son.
Rebekah takes full responsibility for the potential consequences of the deception. This reflects the cultural context where a curse was a serious matter, often believed to have tangible effects. Her willingness to bear the curse underscores her determination to see Jacob receive the blessing, which she believes is his rightful due. This phrase also foreshadows the later separation between Jacob and Rebekah, as Jacob flees to avoid Esau's wrath, and they never see each other again.

Just obey my voice
Rebekah's insistence on obedience highlights the authority of parental figures in ancient Near Eastern culture. This command echoes the broader biblical theme of obedience to God's voice, as seen in Deuteronomy 28, where blessings and curses are contingent upon obedience to God's commands.

and go get them for me.”
Rebekah instructs Jacob to fetch the goats, which will be used to deceive Isaac into giving Jacob the blessing meant for Esau. This act of deception is pivotal in the narrative, leading to Jacob's eventual journey and transformation. The use of goats is significant, as goats were common in sacrificial practices, and this deception can be seen as a perversion of the sacrificial system. This event sets the stage for Jacob's later encounters with God, where he learns the importance of integrity and faithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Rebekah
The wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob. In this passage, she is orchestrating a plan to deceive her husband, Isaac, to ensure that Jacob receives the blessing intended for Esau.

2. Jacob
The younger son of Isaac and Rebekah. He is hesitant to deceive his father but is persuaded by his mother to follow through with the plan.

3. Isaac
The father of Esau and Jacob, who is old and nearly blind. He intends to bless Esau, his firstborn, but is deceived by Rebekah and Jacob.

4. Esau
The elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, who is the rightful recipient of the blessing according to tradition. He is unaware of the deception being planned against him.

5. The Deception
The event where Rebekah instructs Jacob to deceive Isaac into giving him the blessing meant for Esau.
Teaching Points
The Weight of Parental Influence
Rebekah's influence over Jacob highlights the significant impact parents can have on their children's decisions. It is crucial for parents to guide their children in truth and righteousness.

The Consequences of Deception
Deception, even when seemingly justified, leads to long-term consequences. Jacob's life is marked by strife and conflict as a result of this deceit.

Trusting in God's Promises
Rebekah's actions suggest a lack of trust in God's promise that Jacob would be the greater son. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's timing and methods rather than taking matters into their own hands.

Obedience and Moral Dilemmas
Jacob's obedience to his mother presents a moral dilemma. Believers must discern when obedience to authority conflicts with God's commands.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Rebekah's statement in Genesis 27:13 reflect her understanding of God's promise regarding her sons, and what does this teach us about trusting God's plans?

2. In what ways can parental influence be both positive and negative, as seen in the relationship between Rebekah and Jacob?

3. How does the theme of deception in Genesis 27:13 relate to the broader biblical principle of sowing and reaping, as seen in Galatians 6:7?

4. What are some practical ways we can ensure that our actions align with God's will, even when faced with pressure from authority figures?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Rebekah and Jacob's account to our own lives when we face situations that challenge our integrity and faith?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 25:23
This verse provides context for Rebekah's actions, as God had told her that the older would serve the younger, indicating Jacob's future prominence over Esau.

Exodus 20:12
The commandment to honor one's parents is relevant here, as Jacob is torn between obeying his mother and the moral implications of deceit.

Galatians 6:7
This verse about reaping what one sows connects to the consequences of deceit that Jacob and Rebekah will face later in their lives.
Influence of WomanGenesis 27:13
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 27:13
Rebekah's Imposition on Isaac ConsideredE. Cooper, M. A.Genesis 27:13
People
Esau, Haran, Heth, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Rebekah
Places
Beersheba, Haran
Topics
Bring, Curse, Disesteem, Fall, Fetch, Hearken, Obey, Voice
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 27:1-25

     4438   eating

Genesis 27:1-29

     5095   Jacob, life

Genesis 27:3-19

     5268   cooking

Genesis 27:5-17

     5719   mothers, responsibilities

Genesis 27:5-19

     5920   pretence

Genesis 27:6-29

     8716   dishonesty, examples

Library
There is a Great Question About Lying, which Often Arises in the Midst Of...
1. There is a great question about Lying, which often arises in the midst of our every day business, and gives us much trouble, that we may not either rashly call that a lie which is not such, or decide that it is sometimes right to tell a lie, that is, a kind of honest, well-meant, charitable lie. This question we will painfully discuss by seeking with them that seek: whether to any good purpose, we need not take upon ourselves to affirm, for the attentive reader will sufficiently gather from the
St. Augustine—On Lying

Epistle Lii. To Natalis, Bishop .
To Natalis, Bishop [1463] . Gregory to Natalis, Bishop of Salona. As though forgetting the tenour of former letters, I had determined to say nothing to your Blessedness but what should savour of sweetness: but, now that in your epistle you have recurred in the way of argumentation to preceding letters, I am once more compelled to say perhaps some things that I had rather not have said. For in defence of feasts your Fraternity mentions the feast of Abraham, in which by the testimony of Holy Scripture
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
Ver. 8. "Judah, thou, thy brethren shall praise thee; thy hand shall be on the neck of thine enemies; before thee shall bow down the sons of thy father. Ver. 9. A lion's whelp is Judah; from the prey, my son, thou goest up; he stoopeth down, he coucheth as a lion, and as a full-grown lion, who shall rouse him up? Ver. 10. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come, and unto Him the people shall adhere." Thus does dying Jacob, in announcing
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Letter xxxv. From Pope Damasus.
Damasus addresses five questions to Jerome with a request for information concerning them. They are: 1. What is the meaning of the words "Whosoever slayeth Cain vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold"? (Gen. iv. 5.) 2. If God has made all things good, how comes it that He gives charge to Noah concerning unclean animals, and says to Peter, "What God hath cleansed that call not thou common"? (Acts x. 15.) 3. How is Gen. xv. 16, "in the fourth generation they shall come hither again," to be reconciled
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

Touching Jacob, However, that which He did at his Mother's Bidding...
24. Touching Jacob, however, that which he did at his mother's bidding, so as to seem to deceive his father, if with diligence and in faith it be attended to, is no lie, but a mystery. The which if we shall call lies, all parables also, and figures designed for the signifying of any things soever, which are not to be taken according to their proper meaning, but in them is one thing to be understood from another, shall be said to be lies: which be far from us altogether. For he who thinks this, may
St. Augustine—Against Lying

Conflict.
"Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against themselves, that ye
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

First Withdrawal from Herod's Territory and Return.
(Spring, a.d. 29.) Subdivision C. The Twelve Try to Row Back. Jesus Walks Upon the Water. ^A Matt. XIV. 22-36; ^B Mark VI. 45-56; ^D John VI. 15-21. ^d 15 Jesus therefore perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain himself alone. [Jesus had descended to the plain to feed the multitude, but, perceiving this mistaken desire of the people, he frustrated it by dismissing his disciples and retiring by himself into the mountain.] ^a
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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