Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

Genesis 27 Devotional

A Purpose No Scheme Can Stop

Genesis 27 is a family coming apart. Isaac, old and blind, plans to give the blessing to Esau, though God had said the older would serve the younger (25:23). Rebekah overhears and has Jacob dress up as his brother. Jacob lies to his father's face, even claiming that the LORD helped him find the meat so quickly (27:20). The deception works, and Esau comes in to find the blessing gone. He weeps bitterly and soon plans to kill his brother (27:34, 27:41).

No one in this chapter trusts God to keep his own word. Each person grabs for what they want by their own methods, and the family is torn apart: Jacob runs for his life, and Esau nurses a grudge. Yet God's purpose still stands. He works through broken people without approving of their sin. Hebrews warns that Esau later sought the blessing with tears and could not undo what he had thrown away (Hebrews 12:16-17). God can be trusted to fulfill his promises without our scheming.

To think about: Where are you tempted to help God keep his promises by cutting corners?

About Genesis 27: Jacob Steals the Blessing

As Isaac grows old and blind, Rebekah helps Jacob disguise himself as Esau, and Isaac gives Jacob the blessing of the firstborn. Esau returns, weeps bitterly, and receives a lesser blessing, then plans to kill Jacob, so Rebekah arranges for Jacob to flee to her brother Laban.

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