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." So Jacob came close to his father IsaacJacob's approach to Isaac is significant in the context of the deception he is about to commit. This act of coming close symbolizes both physical proximity and the moral distance Jacob is willing to traverse to obtain the blessing. In biblical narratives, physical closeness often precedes significant events or revelations, as seen when God draws near to His people. The act of drawing near can also be seen as a type of Christ, who draws near to humanity to fulfill His mission. who touched him
Isaac's reliance on touch rather than sight is due to his old age and failing eyesight, which is mentioned earlier in the chapter. This reliance on touch is a critical element in the deception, as Jacob and Rebekah exploit Isaac's sensory limitations. The act of touching is also a recurring biblical theme, often associated with blessing, healing, or impartation, as seen in the laying on of hands in the New Testament. and said, “The voice is the voice of Jacob,
Isaac's discernment through hearing highlights the tension between appearance and reality. The voice of Jacob represents his true identity, which contrasts with the deception he is enacting. This moment foreshadows the future struggles Jacob will face due to his deceit, as well as the importance of truth and integrity in relationships. The voice also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's voice guiding His people, as seen in the prophets and ultimately in Jesus, the Word made flesh. but the hands are the hands of Esau.”
The hands of Esau, covered with goat skins, symbolize the successful deception of Isaac. This physical disguise represents the lengths to which Jacob and Rebekah go to secure the blessing. The hands, often associated with action and work, contrast with the voice, which is linked to identity and truth. This duality reflects the inner conflict within Jacob and foreshadows his later transformation after wrestling with God. The hands also connect to the biblical theme of blessing, as Esau's hands were those of a skilled hunter, and Jacob's hands would later become those of a patriarch. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe younger son of Isaac and Rebekah, who is attempting to deceive his father into giving him the blessing meant for his brother Esau. 2. IsaacThe aging and blind patriarch, father of Esau and Jacob, who is preparing to bestow his blessing upon his firstborn son. 3. EsauThe elder son of Isaac, known for his hunting skills and rugged nature, who is the rightful recipient of Isaac's blessing. 4. RebekahThe mother of Jacob and Esau, who orchestrates the deception to ensure Jacob receives the blessing. 5. The TentThe setting of this event, where Isaac resides and where the blessing is to be given. Teaching Points The Deceptive Nature of SinJacob's actions remind us of the deceitfulness of sin. We must be vigilant and honest in our dealings, understanding that deception can lead to long-term consequences. The Importance of DiscernmentIsaac's confusion between the voice and the hands highlights the need for spiritual discernment. We should seek God's wisdom to discern truth from falsehood in our lives. God's Sovereignty in Human AffairsDespite human deception, God's purposes prevail. This encourages us to trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem contrary to His promises. Family Dynamics and FavoritismThe favoritism shown by Isaac and Rebekah towards their sons serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for family discord. We should strive for fairness and love in our family relationships. The Power of Words and BlessingsThe significance of Isaac's blessing underscores the power of our words. We should use our words to bless and build up others, recognizing their lasting impact. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jacob's deception reflect the broader theme of human sinfulness and the need for redemption found throughout Scripture? 2. In what ways can we cultivate spiritual discernment to avoid being deceived by appearances, as Isaac was? 3. How does the account of Jacob and Esau illustrate the concept of God's sovereignty and His ability to work through human actions, both good and bad? 4. What lessons can we learn from the family dynamics in this account about the dangers of favoritism and the importance of unity? 5. How can we apply the understanding of the power of blessings and words in our daily interactions with others, both within and outside our families? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 25:23This verse provides context for the struggle between Jacob and Esau, as God foretold that the older would serve the younger. Hebrews 11:20This verse highlights the faith of Isaac in blessing Jacob and Esau concerning things to come, showing the importance of the blessing. Romans 9:10-13Paul references Jacob and Esau to illustrate God's sovereign choice, emphasizing that God's purposes are not based on human actions. People Esau, Haran, Heth, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, RebekahPlaces Beersheba, HaranTopics Close, Drew, Esau, Feeleth, Felt, Hands, Isaac, Jacob, Jacob's, Nigh, Touched, VoiceDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 27:22 5196 voice Genesis 27:1-25 4438 eating Genesis 27:1-29 5095 Jacob, life Genesis 27:6-29 8716 dishonesty, examples Genesis 27:19-24 7944 ministry, qualifications Genesis 27:22-23 5156 hand 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 27:22 NIVGenesis 27:22 NLTGenesis 27:22 ESVGenesis 27:22 NASBGenesis 27:22 KJV
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