Genesis 27:7

Bring me some game and prepare me a tasty dish to eat, so that I may bless you in the presence of the LORD before I die.'

Study Bible

Bring me some game
This phrase reflects the cultural practices of the time, where hunting was a common means of obtaining food. Esau, known for his skills as a hunter, is asked by Isaac to bring him game. This request highlights the patriarchal tradition of the firstborn receiving a blessing, which was often associated with a meal or sacrifice. The act of hunting and preparing game also symbolizes the effort and skill required to obtain a blessing, paralleling the spiritual pursuit of God's favor.

and prepare me a tasty dish to eat
The preparation of a meal signifies hospitality and the importance of food in covenantal relationships. In ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing a meal was a significant act of fellowship and agreement. The "tasty dish" indicates a personal preference, showing Isaac's affection for Esau's cooking. This meal is a precursor to the blessing, symbolizing the nourishment and sustenance that comes from God's provision.

so that I may bless you
The blessing in biblical times was more than a simple wish for well-being; it was a prophetic declaration that carried spiritual and material implications. Isaac's intention to bless Esau reflects the traditional passing of the birthright, which included leadership of the family and a double portion of inheritance. This blessing was believed to be irrevocable and divinely sanctioned, underscoring the gravity of Isaac's words.

in the presence of the LORD
This phrase indicates the solemnity and sacredness of the blessing. It acknowledges God's sovereignty and involvement in the affairs of men. The presence of the LORD suggests that the blessing is not merely a human transaction but a divine ordinance. This aligns with the biblical theme that God is the ultimate source of all blessings and that His presence is essential in the fulfillment of His promises.

before I die
Isaac's awareness of his mortality adds urgency to the blessing. In the biblical narrative, the patriarchs often bestowed blessings as they neared death, ensuring the continuation of God's covenant promises through their descendants. This phrase also foreshadows the unfolding of God's plan, as the blessing intended for Esau is ultimately received by Jacob, aligning with God's sovereign choice and the prophecy given to Rebekah in Genesis 25:23.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Isaac
The patriarch of the family, Isaac is the son of Abraham and the father of Esau and Jacob. In this chapter, he intends to bless his elder son, Esau, before his death.

2. Esau
The elder son of Isaac, known for his skill in hunting. He is the intended recipient of Isaac's blessing, which was a significant event in the Hebrew tradition.

3. Jacob
The younger son of Isaac, who, with the help of his mother Rebekah, deceives Isaac to receive the blessing meant for Esau.

4. Rebekah
The wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob. She plays a crucial role in the deception of Isaac to ensure Jacob receives the blessing.

5. The Blessing
A significant event in the Hebrew tradition, where the patriarch would confer favor and prophetic words over his children, often determining the future leadership and inheritance within the family.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Spiritual Discernment
Isaac's intention to bless Esau, despite God's earlier revelation to Rebekah, highlights the need for spiritual discernment and alignment with God's will.

The Consequences of Deception
Jacob and Rebekah's deception, though it achieved the desired outcome, led to long-term family strife and separation, teaching us that deceit can have lasting negative consequences.

God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
While God's purposes ultimately prevail, the actions of individuals still carry weight and consequences. We must strive to align our actions with God's revealed will.

The Value of a Blessing
In the biblical context, a blessing was more than words; it was a prophetic declaration of God's favor and purpose. We should seek to understand and value the spiritual blessings God offers us.

The Role of Parental Influence
Rebekah's influence on Jacob's actions shows the significant impact parents can have on their children's spiritual and moral decisions.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Isaac, Esau, and Jacob in Genesis 27:7 illustrate the importance of seeking God's guidance in family decisions?

2. In what ways can the deception of Jacob and Rebekah serve as a warning for us in our personal and spiritual lives?

3. How does the concept of blessing in Genesis 27 relate to the spiritual blessings mentioned in Ephesians 1:3?

4. What lessons can we learn from the relationship between Isaac and his sons about the impact of favoritism within families?

5. How can we apply the principle of God's sovereignty and human responsibility, as seen in the account of Jacob and Esau, to our own lives and decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 25:23
This verse provides context for the events in Genesis 27, as God tells Rebekah that the older will serve the younger, foreshadowing Jacob's eventual receipt of the blessing.

Hebrews 12:16-17
This passage warns against being like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright, highlighting the spiritual implications of despising one's inheritance.

Romans 9:10-13
Paul references Jacob and Esau to illustrate God's sovereign choice, emphasizing that God's purposes are not based on human actions but on His calling.