Genesis 27:17
And she put the delicious food and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Rebekah's careful preparation and presentation of the "savoury meat and bread" highlight the meticulousness of her deception, subtly emphasizing how deeply she invested in the plan to secure Jacob's future. This detail underscores that her actions weren't just a quick, impulsive act, but a carefully orchestrated scheme to fulfill what she believed was God's will.
With Isaac's eyesight failing and his death nearing, his wife Rebekah orchestrates a plan with her favored son Jacob to deceive Isaac and secure the patriarchal blessing meant for Esau. Rebekah prepares a savory meal and has Jacob disguise himself in Esau's clothes and goat skins to mimic his brother's hairy texture, all to trick Isaac into bestowing the blessing upon Jacob instead of Esau.
Rebekah's preparation isn't just about taste; it's a carefully crafted illusion. What does this culinary deception reveal about their spiritual state?
The verse focuses on the 'savoury meat and the bread' that Rebekah prepared. This wasn't just any meal; it was designed to mimic Esau's prized venison, a key element in securing Isaac's blessing.
A Meal of Mimicry
Rebekah plays a central role in this deception. Was her action driven by faith, fear, or something else entirely?
Rebekah's actions, while seemingly aimed at securing God's promised blessing for Jacob, reveal a dangerous blend of faith and flawed human reasoning.
Faith and Flaw
Understand the original words
ben · Hebrew Noun
The male offspring of a parent; in the biblical context, this term often emphasizes lineage, covenantal heritage, and the passing on of familial responsibility or inheritance.
This act of deception occurs within a complex family dynamic where divine promises, personal favoritism, and human scheming collide. The preparation of the food and the deception itself highlight the tension between God's sovereign will and human attempts to manipulate events.
c. 1800 BC
Abraham bequeaths inheritance to Isaac
Abraham, as the patriarch, designates Isaac as the recipient of God's covenant promises, setting the stage for the importance of the patriarchal blessing.
c. 1770 BC
Esau sells birthright to Jacob
Esau, driven by hunger, sells his birthright to his twin brother Jacob for a bowl of stew, demonstrating his disregard for the spiritual inheritance.
c. 1770 BC
Isaac prepares to bless Esau
Isaac, old and nearly blind, calls for his favorite son Esau to give him the patriarchal blessing before his death.
c. 1770 BC— this verse
Rebekah deceives Isaac
Rebekah overhears Isaac's plan and orchestrates a deception, having Jacob impersonate Esau to obtain the blessing meant for the firstborn.
This verse reveals God's pre-ordained plan for Jacob to be the elder, directly preceding the events of Isaac's blessing and Jacob's deception, showing divine intention behind Jacob's lineage.
Romans 9:11-13Paul quotes Genesis 25:23 to explain that God's choice is not based on human works or lineage, but on His sovereign will, highlighting that the divine plan for Jacob's favor was established before his birth, independent of this deceptive act.
Hebrews 12:16-17This passage describes Esau's later regret and his inability to reclaim his forfeited birthright, even with tears, underscoring the irreversible consequences of the choices made during this deceptive meal and blessing.
1 Samuel 15:22Samuel tells Saul that 'to obey is better than sacrifice,' a principle that echoes here; Rebekah and Jacob's deceitful means, while aiming for a divinely promised outcome, ultimately prioritized cunning over obedience and truth.
calvinGenesis 27:1-46: "And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him, My son: and he said unto him, Behold, here am I."
And Rebekah heard when Isaac spake to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt for venison, and to bring it
Ribca autem audiebat, dum loqueretur Ishac ad Esau filium suum: et perrexit Esau in agrum, ut venaretur venationem, ut afferret.
And Rebekah spake unto Jacob h…
gillGenesis 27:17: "And she gave the savoury meat and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob."
And she gave the savoury meat,.... Seasoned and dressed in such a manner as might be taken for venison: and the bread which she had prepared to eat with it: into the hand of her son Jacob; the dish of meat in one hand, and the bread in the other.
Rebekah's careful preparation and presentation of the "savoury meat and bread" highlight the meticulousness of her deception, subtly emphasizing how deeply she invested in the plan to secure Jacob's future. This detail underscores that her actions weren't just a quick, impulsive act, but a carefully orchestrated scheme to fulfill what she believed was God's will.
With Isaac's eyesight failing and his death nearing, his wife Rebekah orchestrates a plan with her favored son Jacob to deceive Isaac and secure the patriarchal blessing meant for Esau. Rebekah prepares a savory meal and has Jacob disguise himself in Esau's clothes and goat skins to mimic his brother's hairy texture, all to trick Isaac into bestowing the blessing upon Jacob instead of Esau.
With Isaac's eyesight failing and his death nearing, his wife Rebekah orchestrates a plan with her favored son Jacob to deceive Isaac and secure the patriarchal blessing meant for Esau. Rebekah prepares a savory meal and has Jacob disguise himself in Esau's clothes and goat skins to mimic his brother's hairy texture, all to trick Isaac into bestowing the blessing upon Jacob instead of Esau.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Genesis 27:17 is available in the Sola app.
This episode shows how even those with genuine faith can be swayed by fear and impatience, leading them to employ methods that are contrary to God's character.
c. 1770 BC
Jacob receives the blessing
Disguised and with prepared food, Jacob successfully deceives his father Isaac and receives the patriarchal blessing, including dominion over his brother.
c. 1770 BC
Esau discovers the deception
Esau returns to find Jacob has taken his blessing, leading to his bitter cry and deep hatred for Jacob.
c. 1770 BC
Jacob flees to Haran
Fearing Esau's wrath, Jacob flees to his uncle Laban's home in Haran, initiating a long period of separation from his family.
"And she put the delicious food and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob." — Rebekah's careful preparation and presentation of the "savoury meat and bread" highlight the meticulousness of her deception, subtly emphasizing how deeply she invested in the plan to secure Jacob's…
