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. And Rebekah took the finest clothes in the houseRebekah's actions here are pivotal in the narrative of Jacob and Esau. The "finest clothes" likely refer to garments reserved for special occasions, possibly indicating Esau's status as the firstborn. In ancient Near Eastern culture, clothing often symbolized identity and status. Rebekah's choice to use these specific garments underscores the gravity of her deception. This act of taking Esau's clothes is a physical manifestation of the transfer of blessing and birthright, which Jacob had previously acquired through Esau's impulsive decision ( Genesis 25:29-34). that belonged to her older son Esau,
Esau, as the firstborn, held a special place in the family hierarchy, which included the birthright and the blessing from his father, Isaac. The birthright was not just a double portion of the inheritance but also carried spiritual significance, including leadership of the family and the covenantal promises given to Abraham. The mention of Esau as the "older son" highlights the tension between the brothers and the subversion of the expected order, a recurring theme in biblical narratives (e.g., Cain and Abel, Ishmael and Isaac). and she put them on her younger son Jacob.
Rebekah's decision to dress Jacob in Esau's clothes is a deliberate act of deception aimed at securing Isaac's blessing for Jacob. This act is laden with irony and foreshadows the future deception Jacob himself will face with Laban. The younger son receiving the blessing over the older is a motif seen throughout Scripture, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the theme that His purposes often defy human expectations (e.g., Joseph over his brothers, David over his brothers). Jacob's name, meaning "supplanter" or "heel-grabber," is fitting in this context, as he is literally taking Esau's place. This event also prefigures the concept of substitutionary atonement, where one takes the place of another, a theme ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. RebekahThe wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob. She plays a pivotal role in the deception of Isaac to secure the blessing for Jacob. 2. EsauThe elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, known for his skill as a hunter. He is the rightful heir to Isaac's blessing as the firstborn. 3. JacobThe younger son of Isaac and Rebekah. He is characterized by his cunning nature and is the recipient of the blessing through deception. 4. IsaacThe father of Esau and Jacob, who is deceived into blessing Jacob instead of Esau due to his failing eyesight. 5. The HouseThe setting of the event where Rebekah orchestrates the deception by dressing Jacob in Esau's clothes. Teaching Points The Consequences of DeceptionRebekah's and Jacob's actions remind us that deceit can lead to long-term family strife and personal consequences, as seen in the ensuing conflict between Esau and Jacob. God's Sovereignty and Human ActionsWhile human actions can be flawed, God's sovereign plan prevails. This account encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate plan, even when circumstances seem contrary. The Importance of IntegrityJacob's deception highlights the importance of integrity and honesty in our dealings. Believers are called to reflect Christ's character in all aspects of life. Parental InfluenceRebekah's role in the deception shows the significant influence parents have on their children. It serves as a reminder for parents to guide their children in truth and righteousness. The Role of Clothing in IdentityThe use of Esau's clothes to deceive Isaac symbolizes how outward appearances can be misleading. This teaches us to look beyond appearances and seek truth in character and actions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Rebekah's role in this event reflect the dynamics of family relationships, and what can we learn about the impact of favoritism? 2. In what ways does the account of Jacob and Esau illustrate the theme of God's sovereignty over human plans, and how can this understanding affect our trust in God's plan for our lives? 3. How does the deception in Genesis 27:15 compare to other biblical instances of deceit, and what are the common consequences observed? 4. What lessons can we draw from this passage about the importance of integrity and honesty in our personal and professional lives? 5. How can the account of Jacob and Esau inform our understanding of identity and the dangers of relying on outward appearances rather than inner character? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 25:23This verse provides context for Rebekah's actions, as God had revealed to her that the older would serve the younger, indicating Jacob's future prominence over Esau. Hebrews 11:20This verse highlights the faith of Isaac in blessing Jacob and Esau concerning things to come, showing the significance of the blessing in God's plan. Romans 9:10-13Paul references the account of Jacob and Esau to illustrate God's sovereign choice, emphasizing that God's purposes are not based on human actions but on His calling. People Esau, Haran, Heth, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, RebekahPlaces Beersheba, HaranTopics Best, Choicest, Clothes, Costly, Desirable, Elder, Eldest, Esau, Fair, Garments, Goodly, Jacob, Older, Oldest, Ones, Raiment, Rebecca, Rebekah, Robes, Taketh, YoungerDictionary 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 Genesis 27:15-16 5948 shrewdness 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 LyingEpistle 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 Links Genesis 27:15 NIVGenesis 27:15 NLTGenesis 27:15 ESVGenesis 27:15 NASBGenesis 27:15 KJV
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