Genesis series: chapter 27

EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES

THE BIBLE : EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES ICON.

CHAPTER 27 JACOB

Jacob has already got possession of the birthright, but now he usurps Isaac’s blessing in a cunning and dishonest way, assisted by his mother who initiates the plan (verses 5-8).  Their dishonesty seems even more appalling, as in verse 1 we are told ‘Isaac was old and his eyes were dim so that he could not see. 

Jacob has his reservations about his part in the plan initially, but his mother is determined to wear the greater guilt (vs 13). Later in the chapter he becomes fully immersed as he participates in the dishonesty, but suffers from it as Rebekah’s motivations reveal itself.

Also, in this chapter, the prosperous life the agricultural community in the rich country of Canaan is promised to this nomad.  Esau’s race will be established beyond the frontiers of Palestine and Edomites will be subject to Israel for a time.  Later they will shake off the yoke and gain their independence.

What does this chapter say to us?  

We might wish to ponder:

1. Do we engage in dishonest behaviour similar to Rebekah to get what we want at all costs?  
2. Do we rope in reinforcements (like Jacob who initially protested) to succeed in our plan? (e.g. promotion at work or to get a disliked colleague retrenched).  What is our attitude towards disabled people?
3. Do we consciously put people with disabilities at a further disadvantage by the way we treat them at work, at home, in our parish?  
4. What is our attitude towards family members who receive more in an inheritance- are we jealous or do we want more even though we have received enough from someone’s generosity?

It seems to me that as I write these posts on each of the chapters in this Genesis Series, there is plenty to ponder about human behaviour, and when applied to myself, there are challenges to be met.