Genesis 27:23

Isaac did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau; so he blessed him.

Study Bible

Isaac did not recognize him
Isaac's inability to recognize Jacob highlights the theme of deception that runs throughout this narrative. Isaac, who is old and has poor eyesight, is deceived by Jacob, who is impersonating his brother Esau. This moment is pivotal in the story of Jacob and Esau, as it fulfills the prophecy given to Rebekah that "the older will serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23). The act of deception also foreshadows future events in Jacob's life, where he himself will be deceived by Laban. This phrase underscores the human tendency to rely on physical senses, which can be misleading, rather than spiritual discernment.

because his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau
The description of Esau as hairy is consistent with earlier accounts in Genesis, where Esau is described as red and hairy at birth (Genesis 25:25). This physical characteristic becomes a key element in Jacob's deception. The use of goat skins to mimic Esau's hairy hands is a clever ruse that exploits Isaac's reliance on touch due to his failing eyesight. This detail also reflects the cultural importance of physical traits in identifying individuals, as well as the lengths to which Jacob and Rebekah are willing to go to secure the blessing. The use of animal skins can be seen as a type of the sacrificial system, where coverings are used to present oneself as something they are not.

so he blessed him
The blessing Isaac gives to Jacob, thinking he is Esau, is significant in the biblical narrative. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a father's blessing was a powerful and binding declaration that often included the transfer of leadership, inheritance, and divine favor. This blessing, intended for Esau, includes promises of prosperity, dominion, and the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant. The act of blessing Jacob instead of Esau fulfills God's earlier prophecy and sets the stage for the unfolding of Israel's history. This moment also prefigures the concept of grace, where blessings are given not based on merit but on God's sovereign choice, paralleling the New Testament theme of believers receiving blessings through Christ, the true firstborn.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Isaac
- The patriarch of the family, Isaac is the son of Abraham and Sarah. In Genesis 27:23, he is old and his eyesight is failing, which leads to the deception by his son Jacob.

2. Jacob
- The younger son of Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob deceives his father into giving him the blessing meant for his elder brother Esau. His actions are central to the events of Genesis 27.

3. Esau
- The elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, Esau is the rightful heir to the blessing. However, he is tricked by his brother Jacob and loses his father's blessing.

4. Rebekah
- The wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob, Rebekah orchestrates the plan for Jacob to receive the blessing, showing favoritism towards him.

5. The Blessing
- A significant event in the patriarchal family, the blessing is a prophetic and spiritual pronouncement that carries the weight of inheritance and divine favor.

Teaching Points

The Deceptive Nature of Sin
Sin often involves deception, both of others and ourselves. Jacob's deceit of Isaac is a reminder of how sin can lead us to manipulate situations for personal gain.

The Sovereignty of God
Despite human deception, God's purposes prevail. The blessing of Jacob over Esau was part of God's sovereign plan, as foretold to Rebekah.

The Importance of Spiritual Discernment
Isaac's inability to discern Jacob's identity due to his failing senses serves as a cautionary tale about the need for spiritual discernment in our lives.

Family Dynamics and Favoritism
The favoritism shown by Rebekah towards Jacob and Isaac towards Esau highlights the destructive potential of partiality within families.

The Consequences of Actions
Jacob's deception had long-term consequences, leading to family strife and his eventual exile. Our actions, especially those rooted in sin, can have lasting impacts.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 27:23 illustrate the consequences of deception and favoritism within a family? Reflect on a personal experience where favoritism affected relationships.

2. In what ways does the account of Isaac blessing Jacob, despite the deception, demonstrate God's sovereignty? How can this understanding of God's control over events bring comfort in uncertain times?

3. How can we cultivate spiritual discernment in our lives to avoid being deceived, as Isaac was? Consider other biblical examples of discernment and how they can be applied today.

4. Reflect on a time when you faced a moral dilemma similar to Jacob's. How did you handle it, and what biblical principles can guide us in making ethical decisions?

5. How does the New Testament use the account of Jacob and Esau to teach about God's election and grace? How can this understanding shape our view of God's work in our lives and the lives of others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 25:23
- This verse provides context for the sibling rivalry, as God tells Rebekah that "the older will serve the younger," foreshadowing the events of Genesis 27.

Hebrews 11:20
- This verse highlights the faith of Isaac in blessing Jacob and Esau concerning things to come, showing the importance of the blessing in God's plan.

Romans 9:10-13
- Paul 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.