«Now it came to pass, when Isaac was old and his eyes were so dim that he could not see, that he called Esau his older son and said to him, ‘My son. ‘ And he answered him, ‘Here I am. ‘ Then he said, ‘Behold now, I am old. I do not know the day of my death. Now therefore, please take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me. And make me savory food, such as I love, and bring it to me that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die’ » (Genesis 27:1-4).
ISAAC WAS ABOUT 137 years old at the time the story told in our text today took place. However, he died at the age of 180 (see Genesis 35:28); that is, 43 years later! Why the rush to give Esau the blessing of the birthright?
The custom of the time was for the father to summon all the children to give each one his blessing from his deathbed. However, Jacob was not summoned. Why? Because Esau was Isaacs favorite, and Jacob was Rebekah’s, and each one wanted the blessings of birthright for his/her favorite son.
According to the law, that special blessing belonged to the eldest son, and that was Esau. However, when the twins had been born, God had said «The older shall serve the younger» (Genesis 25:23). Additionally, Esau belittled that privilege. Not only did he sell his birthright for a plate of lentils, but he married two pagan women, Heth’s daughters. But Isaac «determined no longer to delay the bestowal of the blessing upon his elder son,» which is why «he decided to perform the solemn ceremony in secret. «—Patriarchs and Prophets, ch, 16, p. 180.
What Isaac did not know was that Rebekah was listening to the conversation (Genesis. 27:5); then she decided to take matters into her own hands. Taking advantage of the fact that Isaac was blind at that time, she convinced Jacob to pretend to be Esau. The scheme worked, but there were serious consequences. Upon learning of the deception, Esau promised to kill Jacob, who had to flee for his life to the home of Laban, Rebekah’s brother. For her part, Rebekah never saw Jacob again, and Jacob always lived with the memory of having deceived his father.—Patriarchs and Prophets, ch. 16, pp. 179—181.
Would it not have been better to wait for the promise to be fulfilled? God’s «word would have been fulfilled in His own time had Rebekah and Jacob waited in faith for Him to work for them. But like many who now profess to be children of God, they were unwilling to leave the matter in His hands. «—Ibid., ch. 16, p. 180.
«Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men who work iniquity» (Psalm 141 :3, 4).
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2022
“GREAT IS OUR GOD!”
From: FERNANDO ZABALA
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
