Genesis 27

Jacob lives up to his name as the deceiver in this chapter. With the help of his mother, Rebekah—who plays a pivotal role, Jacob is guaranteed his father’s blessing and inheritance.

We know that Jacob was Rebekah’s favorite, and that she did not love her other son, Esau. But in this chapter she stoops so low as to dupe her husband, Isaac, who becomes an innocent victim in this charade to make Jacob the chosen one.

Brothers do not fare well in Genesis: Cain and Abel, Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau. The women are either nameless or conniving and cruel. And so far, the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob earn God’s approval despite the schemes, deceptions, and lies. I guess God has a twisted sense of humor! These early stories in the biblical canon contain very little examples of anyone doing something out of the kindness of their heart. There always seem to be hidden motives and second-guessing. The stories and tales of the patriarchs seem to be the equivalent of the modern day soap opera!

As one of the founding fathers of Judaism, is Jacob supposed to be looked up to and admired? Why does stealing seem to be advocated in almost every chapter? Abraham steals from the Pharoah and Abimelech. All of Abraham’s people will eventually be told to steal from all the non-Jews that live in the Promised Land. Jacob steals from his own brother.