The story of Jacob stealing Esau’s blessing is a study in faithlessness, manipulation, and deceit. Consider that God specifically told Rebecca that the older twin would serve the younger (Gen 25:23). The blessing that Rebecca sought for Jacob was like a prophecy for him. In a true sense, what Isaac would say would be fulfilled. Therefore, when she heard that Isaac was going to bless Esau instead of Jacob, which was according to custom, but not according to God’s prophecy, she took matters into her own hands.
Jacob barely tried to resist his mother’s deception. His fear was not for doing something wrong but for getting caught. Still, he went along with her plan. Isaac certainly must have known what the Lord had told Rebecca, yet he was willing to discount it and bless his firstborn and favorite son. Esau apparently cared only for himself. He had already sold his birthright to Jacob for a meal. When he realized he missed the blessing, it sounds as if all he cared for was himself. He wasn’t concerned for how his father felt about being tricked. Murder filled his heart.
How would you have handled this situation if you were Rebecca, but also as a Christian? You know what God has said in his Word and your husband is now about to go behind your back and go against the Lord’s Word. Would you go to Isaac and remind him of what the Lord promised? That seems to be what Jesus would want us to do, go first to the one who sins against you (Matt 18:15). If you believe God and your husband says, “No, I’ll do what I want,” what then? Do you trust God to work it out or do you violate God’s laws and deceive (Lev 19:11)? If you have faith, then you will not attempt the deception and know that God will work it our for good (Rom 8:28).
What if you were in Jacob’s shoes? Would you explain to your mother that her plan was an affront to God? Would you trust the Lord to work it out? How about Isaac, would you remember God’s promise to Jacob and reserve the blessing for him? How would you react if you were Esau and your brother tricked you? Would you hate him?
We have a lot more of God’s Word to help us and we have the Holy Spirit living in us. While we can’t excuse them for bad behavior, we should certainly look at our own lives and family dynamics and do better. We shouldn’t play favorites with our kids, we should listen to God’s Word and our spouses. We shouldn’t become angry and murderous when cheated. But we do all those things to some extent. Fortunately, God has given us grace to overcome our sinful nature and we can do better.
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