He [Isaac] said, “Are you really my son Esau?” He answered, “I am.” – Genesis 27:24
One day Isaac told Esau to go and prepare a meal for him, and after that Isaac said he would give Esau his blessing.
But when Rebecca overheard this, she rushed over to Jacob. “Your father is about ready to announce God’s blessing. He wants to give it to Esau, but you can pretend to be your brother and the blessing will be yours.”
“But he’s hairy as a goat,” said Jacob. “My skin is smooth. Dad will know I’m not him.”
Rebecca said, “Your father will never know the difference.” So she covered Jacob’s arms with goatskin and dressed him in Esau’s clothes. Then Jacob took his mother’s stew to Isaac.
“Who is it?” asked the old man.
“Esau,” said Jacob. “Sit up and eat some food and then give me your blessing.”
“But how did you find the game so quickly?” said Isaac.
“The Lord helped me,” said Jacob.
“Come near, that I may feel you, my son, to know whether you are really my son Esau or not” (27:21). So, Jacob went right up to his father. The old man touched his arms. “The voice is Jacob’s voice,” he said, “but the hands are the hands of Esau” (27:22). Jacob was the coolest liar in the business.
Then Isaac spoke the words God gave him. “May God give you of the dew of heaven and of the fatness of the earth and plenty of grain and wine. Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be everyone who blesses you!” (27:28-29).
This was the promise God gave to Abraham and now it belonged to Jacob. It was like buying a house—once the documents were signed, the deal was completed. It could not be undone.
What did Esau miss out on?
