As Jacob leaves with a stolen blessing, Esau enters with anticipation. As the truth comes out, both Isaac and Esau are deeply disturbed (33, 34), Jacob is clearly revealed as a deceiver (35), and Isaac blesses Esau with “leftovers” (38-40). This leaves emotionally stunted Esau incensed towards his brother, even plotting his murder (41).

Jacob didn’t receive the blessings he took deceitfully. He lived a wandering life that was filled with heartache, suffering and deception (47:9), but was blessed by God who shepherded him (48:15). In contrast, Esau prospered materially (33:9; Ch. 36), but did not know God. His descendants would oppose God’s people Israel.

Rebekah plots a way to save Jacob by sending him to Harran (43), something Abraham adamantly opposed for Isaac (24:6). She had said, “let the curse fall on me” (13), and it may have: after her manipulative words to Isaac regarding Esau’s wives (46), she drops out from the Biblical story. Her plan to send for and reunite with Jacob fails (45).

The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Ro 6:23). Isaac’s family seem to have messed up everything. But nothing is impossible with God, as we will see.
Application: Father, my family has blessed me and hurt me, but I trust in your hand more than all.
One Word: There is hope and grace in Jesus