"Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing." Genesis 27:35
A boy and his mother
Last week we talked about how Isaac and Rebekah tragically played favorites. Jacob was Rebekah’s favorite. We’ll take a look at where Rebekah came from
After Sarah dies, Abraham had 3 major concerns for Isaac
He wanted Isaac to marry to fulfill the covenant promise (Gen. 24:4, 12:2)
He did not want Isaac to marry a pagan, but one who worshipped God (Gen. 24:3-4)
He did not want Isaac to leave the land of Canaan (Gen. 24:6-7)
Eliezer of Damascus
Abraham sends a servant to obtain a godly wife for Isaac. This servant is not named, but is probably Eliezer (Gen. 24:2, 15:2). This task required a good deal of trust.
Eliezer travels all the way to Aram (24:10), believing that God’s hand was present (v. 7)
Rebekah
Eliezer prays God would show him the right woman (24:12-14) and Rebekah fulfills every specific requests Eliezer prays (24:15-21)
Rebekah was beautiful, morally pure, humble, unselfish, hospitable (24:16-21)
After discussions and negotiations, Rebekah returns with Eliezer to Canaan, where she meets Isaac for the first time (24:62-67). Rebekah had some godly qualities.
The Fabrication of Deception
So, it is ironic that it is Rebekah who hatches the plan to deceive Isaac (27:8)
Isaac was old and blind (27:1) and apparently shared Esau’s love of wild food (27:7)
Isaac knew of God’s covenant, and was surely aware of God’s statement in 25:23. Why would Isaac persist in blessing Esau?
Rebekah’s behavior is puzzling. Why the immediate attempt to deceive? Why not talk to Isaac? Had their communication broken down years ago? (27:5-17) She set a bad example for her son, and dishonored her husband.
She had inquired of the Lord before (25:22). If only she had prayed this time.
The Reflection of Deception
All four family members had acted out of God’s will for years. Isaac and Rebekah had showed favoritism. Esau was immoral (Heb. 12:16, Gen. 26:35), Jacob had already stolen Esau’s birthright. Rebekah had devised this scheme. Now, sadness hits them all.
Esau understandably reacts violently (27:41). Rebekah acts to save her favorite son (27:43) and plays on Isaac’s memories of he obtained his wife to have him send Jacob off
2 Principles
#1) We should avoid relationships with unbelievers that will spiritually sidetrack us
#2)
No matter our sins, God can still work the results together for good
