8 July 2023

When Isaac was old and his eyes were dim so that he could not see, he called his elder son Esau and said to him, ‘My son’; and he answered, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘See, I am old; I do not know the day of my death. Now then, take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field, and hunt game for me. Then prepare for me savoury food, such as I like, and bring it to me to eat, so that I may bless you before I die.’.

From Genesis 27:1-5,15-29, NRSV

The custom in ancient times was that the father of the household would confirm the birth-right on his firstborn son by giving his special blessing just before he died.  This blessing was more than just a promise; they saw it as a prophecy that carried God’s favour. Isaac knew that God’s will was for Jacob (his younger son), not Esau, to receive the firstborn’s blessing. Esau had previously shown that his birth-right was something he did not prize or deserve. However, Isaac seemed determined to give the blessing to Esau. Taking advantage of Isaac’s blindness, Jacob and his mother Rebekah were able to trick Isaac into giving the blessing to Jacob. We may wonder at the value of a blessing obtained by means of deceit but, as we know, it was indeed Jacob who ultimately took care of the promise made to Abraham and his lineage.

• • Why do you suppose Jacob was willing to deceive his father?
  • Can you recall other times when God’s choice does not seem to be the obvious one?

Pray for the grace to see your own gifts and potential in the way God does.