The account of Rebekah's partiality for her son Jacob over Esau is a significant narrative in the Book of Genesis, illustrating the complexities of family dynamics and the consequences of favoritism. This account is found primarily in Genesis 25:19-34 and Genesis 27.

Background

Rebekah, the wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob, is introduced in Genesis 24. She becomes pregnant with twins after Isaac prays to the LORD on her behalf, as she was initially barren (Genesis 25:21). During her pregnancy, Rebekah experiences a struggle within her womb and inquires of the LORD, who reveals to her that "two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23).

Favoritism in the Family

The birth of Esau and Jacob marks the beginning of a familial division. Esau, the firstborn, is described as a skillful hunter and a man of the field, while Jacob is a quiet man who stays among the tents (Genesis 25:27). The narrative explicitly states, "Isaac loved Esau because he had a taste for wild game, but Rebekah loved Jacob" (Genesis 25:28). This parental favoritism sets the stage for future conflict and deception.

The Deception of Isaac

Rebekah's partiality for Jacob becomes most evident in the account of Isaac's blessing. As Isaac grows old and his eyesight fails, he decides to bless Esau, his firstborn, before he dies. Rebekah, overhearing Isaac's plan, devises a scheme to secure the blessing for Jacob, in accordance with the divine prophecy she received (Genesis 27:5-10).

Rebekah instructs Jacob to fetch two young goats so she can prepare a meal for Isaac, mimicking the taste of Esau's game. She then dresses Jacob in Esau's best clothes and covers his hands and neck with goatskins to imitate Esau's hairy skin (Genesis 27:15-16). Jacob, though initially hesitant, follows his mother's instructions and deceives his father, receiving the blessing intended for Esau (Genesis 27:18-29).

Consequences of Partiality

The consequences of Rebekah's favoritism and the resulting deception are profound. When Esau discovers that Jacob has received the blessing, he is filled with anger and vows to kill his brother after their father's death (Genesis 27:41). Rebekah, fearing for Jacob's life, sends him away to her brother Laban in Haran, thus causing a long separation between her and her favored son (Genesis 27:42-45).

Rebekah's partiality and the ensuing deception highlight the dangers of favoritism within a family. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how parental bias can lead to division, strife, and unintended consequences. The account of Rebekah and Jacob underscores the importance of impartiality and the need for parents to nurture all their children with equal love and care, in accordance with biblical principles.Genesis 25:28
And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob.
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Genesis 27:6-17
And Rebekah spoke to Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard your father speak to Esau your brother, saying,
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Chapter xxv
... No inferior ground is adduced in referring to Rebekah's love for Jacob. Still, on
the whole, a measure of partiality was involved on the part of both parents. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxv.htm

Adonijah
... would sell his birthright for a mess of pottage, Rebekah, who, like ... We may also fairly
surmise that his parents were guilty of partiality and indulgence ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/adonijah.htm

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