Genesis 27:9

Go out to the flock and bring me two choice young goats, so that I can make them into a tasty dish for your father--the kind he loves.

Study Bible

Go out to the flock
This phrase indicates the pastoral lifestyle of Isaac's family, who were semi-nomadic herders. The flock represents wealth and sustenance in ancient Near Eastern culture. The act of going to the flock suggests familiarity and responsibility in managing livestock, a common occupation for the patriarchs.

and bring me two choice young goats
The selection of "choice young goats" implies a focus on quality and tenderness, suitable for a special meal. Goats were common livestock in the region, and their meat was a staple. The number two may symbolize completeness or sufficiency for the task at hand. This act of selecting and preparing animals for a meal is reminiscent of sacrificial practices, though in this context, it is for deception rather than worship.

so that I can make them into a tasty dish
The preparation of a "tasty dish" highlights the culinary skills and domestic roles within the family. It reflects the importance of food in familial and covenantal relationships. The Hebrew term for "tasty" can also mean savory or delightful, indicating a meal prepared with care and intention to please.

for your father
This phrase underscores the familial relationship and the respect and duty owed to the patriarch, Isaac. It also sets the stage for the deception that Rebekah and Jacob are planning against Esau, Isaac's favored son. The father-son relationship is central to the narrative, reflecting themes of inheritance and blessing.

the kind he loves
Isaac's preference for this particular dish suggests a personal and intimate knowledge of his tastes, which Rebekah uses to her advantage. This phrase also highlights the theme of favoritism within the family, as Isaac's love for Esau is partly based on Esau's ability to provide such meals. This favoritism sets the stage for the conflict and deception that follows, echoing the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty in choosing the younger over the elder, as seen in the stories of Cain and Abel, and later, Joseph and his brothers.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Rebekah
The wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob. In Genesis 27:9, she is orchestrating a plan to deceive her husband Isaac to secure the blessing for her favored son, Jacob.

2. Jacob
The younger son of Isaac and Rebekah. He is instructed by his mother to deceive his father by pretending to be his brother Esau to receive the blessing.

3. Isaac
The aging and blind patriarch who intends to bless his elder son Esau. He is unaware of Rebekah and Jacob's plan.

4. Esau
The elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, who is the rightful recipient of the blessing according to tradition. He is out hunting to prepare a meal for his father.

5. The Flock
The source of the young goats that Rebekah instructs Jacob to fetch. These animals are central to the deception as they are used to prepare a meal for Isaac.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Deception
Rebekah's plan to deceive Isaac highlights the immediate and long-term consequences of deceit. While it achieved the desired outcome, it led to family strife and separation.

God's Sovereignty and Human Actions
Despite human manipulation, God's purposes prevail. This account reminds us that God's plans are not thwarted by human actions, but it also calls us to act righteously.

Parental Influence and Responsibility
Rebekah's influence on Jacob shows the significant impact parents have on their children's actions and character. It challenges parents to guide their children in truth and integrity.

The Value of Spiritual Blessings
The lengths to which Rebekah and Jacob go to secure Isaac's blessing underscore the importance of spiritual blessings and inheritance, urging believers to prioritize spiritual over material gains.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Rebekah's plan in Genesis 27:9 reflect her understanding of God's promise in Genesis 25:23, and what does this teach us about trusting God's timing?

2. In what ways does the deception in Genesis 27:9 lead to unintended consequences, and how can we apply this lesson to our own lives when faced with ethical dilemmas?

3. How does the account of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 27 connect with the New Testament teachings in Hebrews 12:16-17 about valuing spiritual blessings?

4. What role does parental influence play in the events of Genesis 27:9, and how can parents today ensure they are guiding their children according to biblical principles?

5. Considering Romans 9:10-13, how can we reconcile God's sovereignty with human actions, and what does this mean for our daily decision-making and trust in God's plan?

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, which may have influenced her decision to deceive Isaac.

Hebrews 12:16-17
This passage warns against godlessness like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights. It connects to the theme of valuing spiritual blessings.

Romans 9:10-13
Paul references Jacob and Esau to illustrate God's sovereign choice, which ties back to the events of Genesis 27.