Jacob Connives to Receive Esau’s Blessing

Text: Genesis 27:1-29

Reflection and Question: We know that this story in Genesis was written down long after the Ten Commandments even though, of course, it is set in time well before the giving of the Law to Moses. So here we have Jacob flat out lying to Isaac in order to get his blessing. As far as we know Esau has done nothing to deserve this treatment. Yet the liar, Jacob, becomes the son through whom the Jewish people, promised to Abraham, will descend. I find this duplicity surprising and very humbling; it’s not what I expect of God. How do you take Jacob’s stealing of his father’s blessing?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, Truth Divine, inspire in our hearts and minds true understanding of how Rebekah and her son, Jacob, connived to steal Isaac’s blessing from Esau. May we see with Your eyes and learn from this ancient happening. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).