Genesis 27:42-43
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Rebekah reveals that Esau is "comforting himself" with the thought of killing Jacob. This phrase, in its original Hebrew, carries a deeper sense than mere consolation; it implies Esau is satisfying his own feelings of revenge, essentially "hugging" the idea of vengeance to himself.
But the words of Esau her older son were told to Rebekah. So she sent and called Jacob her younger son and said to him, “Behold, your brother Esau comforts himself about you by planning to kill you. Now therefore, my son, obey my voice. Arise, flee to Laban my brother in Haran
English Standard Version (ESV)
Esau, enraged by Jacob's deception and the stolen blessing, vows to kill his brother after their father Isaac's death. Rebekah learns of Esau's murderous intent and immediately sends for Jacob, urging him to flee to their uncle Laban's home in Haran for his own safety. This desperate plan marks the beginning of Jacob's long exile and the immediate consequence of Rebekah and Jacob's scheme.
Rebekah hears Esau's furious words, not just as anger, but as a chilling plan for vengeance. What does it mean when someone 'comforts themselves' with the thought of killing you?
Esau's heart is consumed with hatred after losing the blessing. The verse describes his state with the phrase 'doth comfort himself... purposing to kill thee.' This isn't just a passing fit of rage; it's a deep-seated satisfaction he finds in the idea of taking Jacob's life. It's as if his grief and anger are soothed by the thought of revenge. This shows how destructive unchecked anger can be, leading to plans for violence and destruction. It's a stark reminder that our emotions, especially anger, need to be brought under control and surrendered to God, rather than allowed to fester into deadly intentions.
Rebekah's scheme to get Jacob the blessing has backfired, putting her beloved son in mortal danger. Now, her focus shifts to protecting him, even if it means banishment.
The immediate consequence of Jacob receiving Isaac's blessing—and Esau's violent reaction—is Rebekah's desperate plan to send Jacob away. She fears not only Esau's rage but also the potential loss of both her sons in one day. This highlights the complex and often painful ripple effects of our choices, especially when they involve deception and manipulation. Rebekah, who initiated the deception, now bears the burden of its fallout. Her 'solution' is to make Jacob flee, separating him from his family and homeland, a stark consequence of the deceit. This shows that even actions taken with the intention of fulfilling God's promises can lead to suffering if they are not pursued with integrity and truth.
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This pivotal moment, born from sibling rivalry and parental favoritism, highlights the intense struggle for the promised lineage. Esau's murderous rage, revealed in verse 42, forces Jacob's immediate flight, setting in motion the family's exile and the continuation of God's covenant through a fugitive.
~1800 BC
Abraham receives promises from God
God promises Abraham numerous descendants and that through his lineage, all nations would be blessed.
~1790 BC
Isaac is born to Abraham and Sarah
Isaac is born as the son of promise, through whom God's covenant will pass.
~1760 BC
Isaac marries Rebekah
Rebekah becomes Isaac's wife, and they will be the parents of Jacob and Esau.
~1750 BC
Jacob and Esau are born
Esau, the firstborn, and Jacob are born. God had previously indicated to Rebekah that the older would serve the younger.
~1730 BC
Jacob obtains Esau's birthright
Jacob tricks Esau into selling his birthright for a bowl of stew.
~1730 BC
Isaac prepares to give the patriarchal blessing
Isaac, old and nearly blind, intends to bestow the blessing and covenant promises upon his favorite son, Esau.
~1730 BC— this verse
Jacob deceives Isaac and receives the blessing
Rebekah and Jacob conspire to trick Isaac into giving the patriarchal blessing to Jacob instead of Esau.
This passage highlights the ongoing struggle between the desires of the flesh and the Spirit, mirroring the deep conflict and danger that Esau's vengeful thoughts brought upon Jacob.
Psalm 37:12-15The psalmist describes the wicked plotting against the righteous, similar to Esau's desire to kill Jacob, while assuring that their plans will ultimately fail.
Proverbs 12:16This proverb speaks to how a fool's anger is quickly revealed and turned to trouble, reflecting how Esau's hidden anger about the blessing became known and led to danger for Jacob.
Matthew 10:16Jesus warns his disciples that they will be sent out like sheep among wolves, a parallel to Jacob being sent away as a fugitive due to the threat of his own brother.
1 Samuel 18:7-9This passage shows Saul's murderous jealousy towards David, driven by envy and a perceived threat, echoing the intense hatred and vengeful thoughts Esau harbored towards Jacob.
clarkeGenesis 27:42: "And these words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah: and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto him, Behold, thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, purposing to kill thee."
Doth comfort himself, purposing to kill thee - מתנחם לך mithnachem lecha, which Houbigant renders cogitat super te, he thinks or meditates to kill thee. This sense is natural enough here, but it does not appear to be the meaning of the original; nor does Houbigant…
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…
Rebekah reveals that Esau is "comforting himself" with the thought of killing Jacob. This phrase, in its original Hebrew, carries a deeper sense than mere consolation; it implies Esau is satisfying his own feelings of revenge, essentially "hugging" the idea of vengeance to himself.
Esau, enraged by Jacob's deception and the stolen blessing, vows to kill his brother after their father Isaac's death. Rebekah learns of Esau's murderous intent and immediately sends for Jacob, urging him to flee to their uncle Laban's home in Haran for his own safety. This desperate plan marks the beginning of Jacob's long exile and the immediate consequence of Rebekah and Jacob's scheme.
Esau, enraged by Jacob's deception and the stolen blessing, vows to kill his brother after their father Isaac's death. Rebekah learns of Esau's murderous intent and immediately sends for Jacob, urging him to flee to their uncle Laban's home in Haran for his own safety. This desperate plan marks the beginning of Jacob's long exile and the immediate consequence of Rebekah and Jacob's scheme.
"But the words of Esau her older son were told to Rebekah. So she sent and called Jacob her younger son and said to him, “Behold, your brother Esau comforts himself about you by planning to kill you. Now therefore, my son, obey my voice. Ar…" — Rebekah reveals that Esau is "comforting himself" with the thought of killing Jacob. This phrase, in its original Hebrew, carries a deeper sense than mere consolation; it implies Esau is *satisfying…
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Last reviewed October 2026
