The Blessing and the Deception

After trading his birthright for a bowl of lentils, Esau went back out into the fields, while Jacob stayed close to the tents.

Many years passed. Isaac, the father of the two brothers, grew old. His eyesight had become so weak that he could hardly see.

One day, Isaac called Esau. “My son.”

“Here I am, Father,” Esau replied.

Isaac knew he was very old. He wanted to give Esau a special blessing.

“Go out into the field, hunt an animal, and prepare the food I love so much. After I have eaten, I will give you my blessing.”

Esau took his bow and arrows and hurried out toward the hills.

But Rebekah had heard the conversation. She remembered what God had told her before the twins were born: the older son would serve the younger.

Rebekah was convinced that Jacob should receive the blessing. However, instead of waiting and trusting God, she decided to prepare a deception.

She found Jacob and told him what she had heard. “Go to the flock and bring me two young goats. I will prepare the food your father likes.”

Jacob was worried. “But Esau has very hairy arms, and I do not. If my father touches me, he will discover that I am trying to deceive him.”

Rebekah insisted. Jacob went to the flock and returned with the young goats. She prepared a delicious meal, and its aroma filled the tent.

Then she found Esau’s best clothes and put them on Jacob. She also placed soft goatskins over his hands and neck so that they would feel hairy.

Jacob looked at his disguised arms. He knew this was wrong, but he still took the food and entered his father’s tent.

“Father,” he said carefully.

“Here I am. Which of my sons are you?”

Jacob took a deep breath. “I am Esau, your firstborn son.”

Isaac was surprised. He asked how he had returned so quickly. Jacob lied again and said that God had helped him.

Isaac listened carefully. The voice sounded like Jacob’s, not Esau’s. He asked him to come closer so that he could touch him.

Isaac touched the skins covering his hands. “The voice sounds like Jacob’s, but the hands feel like Esau’s.”

Isaac still had doubts and asked again whether he really was Esau. Jacob had another chance to tell the truth, but once again he answered yes.

Isaac ate the food. Then he asked his son to come close once more. Recognizing the smell of Esau’s clothes, he raised his hands and spoke the blessing.

“May God give you abundance, protection, and a future full of purpose for your family.”

Jacob received the blessing and left the tent.

Jacob had the blessing he had wanted so much, but he had received it through a lie. That could not bring peace to his family.

We do not need to trick anyone to receive God’s love. Telling the truth, even when we are afraid of losing something, is one way to care for those who trust us. Jacob still needed to learn that.