Jacob Has to Leave

Jacob had just received Isaac’s blessing by pretending to be Esau. But his deception could not stay hidden.

Soon afterward, Esau returned from the hills. He prepared the food and brought it to his father. When Isaac learned who was standing before him, he began to tremble. He realized that someone else had already received the blessing.

Esau understood what had happened. His brother had deceived him. With a heart full of sadness, he cried out: “My father! Do you not have a blessing for me too?”

Isaac was very sad. He could not take back the words he had already spoken, but he also blessed Esau and spoke about his future.

Even so, Esau felt hurt and furious. First he had lost his birthright, and now Jacob had taken the blessing through deception. In his anger, he thought about hurting Jacob after their father died.

When Rebekah heard what Esau was thinking, she became very afraid. She quickly called Jacob.

“Your brother is very angry. You must leave for a while. Go to the home of my brother Laban.”

Jacob understood that he was no longer safe at home. His deception had brought pain to the whole family.

Rebekah spoke with Isaac and explained that Jacob should travel to the land where her relatives lived. This time, Isaac called Jacob knowing exactly who he was.

Jacob stood before his father without a disguise and without pretending to be someone else. Isaac blessed him again and asked him to travel to the home of Laban, his uncle. He also reminded him of the promises God had made to Abraham.

Then Jacob packed his few belongings. He looked one last time at the tents where he had grown up, the places where he had played with Esau and cared for the animals.

Now he had to leave his mother, his father, and his brother behind. He began walking alone toward a distant land. He did not know how long he would be away or when he would return.

He had received the birthright and the blessing he had wanted so much, but his choices had hurt other people. Now he was discovering that deception always brings consequences.

Rebekah also had to live with the consequences of her plan. She had tried to hurry what God had promised instead of waiting and trusting Him.

Esau would have to learn how to handle his anger and sadness. Jacob would have to learn to tell the truth, treat others fairly, and depend on God.

Although this family had made mistakes, God had not abandoned them.

As Jacob walked away from home and the stars shone over the path, he did not know that God would meet him during the journey. His adventure was only beginning.