Bible Chapter Summary
Genesis 27 Summary
Jacob Steals Esau's Blessing
When the aged and nearly blind Isaac prepares to bestow his patriarchal blessing on his eldest son Esau, Rebekah overhears and devises a plan for her younger son Jacob to receive it instead. She dresses Jacob in Esau's garments and covers his hands and neck with goatskin so that Isaac, relying on touch, is deceived into believing Jacob is Esau, and Isaac pronounces the blessing of prosperity and lordship over nations upon him. When Esau returns and the deception is discovered, Isaac trembles but affirms the blessing stands, and can offer Esau only a lesser oracle. Esau vows to kill Jacob after Isaac's death, prompting Rebekah to send Jacob away to her brother Laban in Haran for safety.
Key themes
Key verses
Genesis 27:22
“And Jacob went near unto Isaac his father; and he felt him, and said, The voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.”
Genesis 27:29
“Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee.”
Genesis 27:33
“And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed.”
Genesis 27:41
“And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.”
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