Bible Commentaries
Genesis 27

Introduction

Overview

Genesis 27:1, Isaac sends Esau for venison; Genesis 27:6, Rebekah instructs Jacob to obtain the blessing; Genesis 27:14, Jacob, feigning to be Esau, obtains it; Genesis 27:30, Esau brings venison; Genesis 27:33, Isaac trembles; Genesis 27:34, Esau complains, and by importunity obtains a blessing; Genesis 27:41, He threatens Jacob’s life; Genesis 27:42, Rebekah disappoints him, by sending Jacob away.

Verse 1

am 2244, bc 1760

dim: Genesis 48:10, 1 Samuel 3:2, Ecclesiastes 12:3, John 9:3

eldest son: Genesis 25:23-25

Reciprocal: Genesis 31:18 - for to go Genesis 35:29 - Isaac Genesis 37:13 - Here am I Deuteronomy 34:7 - his eye 1 Samuel 4:15 - and his eyes 1 Kings 14:4 - for his eyes Psalms 71:18 - Now Ecclesiastes 12:2 - the sun Romans 9:16 - General

Verse 2

I know not: Genesis 48:21, 1 Samuel 20:3, Proverbs 27:1, Ecclesiastes 9:10, Isaiah 38:1, Isaiah 38:3, Mark 13:35, James 4:14

Reciprocal: Genesis 31:18 - for to go Genesis 35:29 - Isaac Hebrews 11:13 - all died

Verse 3

I: Genesis 10:9, Genesis 25:27, Genesis 25:28

take me: Heb. hunt, Genesis 25:27, Genesis 25:28, 1 Corinthians 6:12

Reciprocal: Genesis 21:20 - an archer Isaiah 7:24 - General

Verse 4

that I may eat: The blessing, says Dr. A. Clarke, which Isaac was to confer on his son, was a species of divine right, and must be communicated with appropriate ceremonies. As eating and drinking were used among the Asiatics on almost all religious occasions, and especially in making and confirming covenants, it is reasonable to suppose, that something of this kind was essentially necessary on this occasion; and that Isaac could not convey the right, till he had eaten of the meat provided for the purpose by him who was to receive the blessing.

that my: Genesis 27:7, Genesis 27:23, Genesis 27:25, Genesis 27:27, Genesis 14:19, Genesis 24:60, Genesis 28:3, Genesis 48:9, Genesis 48:15-20, Genesis 49:28, Leviticus 9:22, Leviticus 9:23, Deuteronomy 33:1-29, Joshua 14:13, Joshua 22:6, Luke 2:34, Luke 24:51, Hebrews 11:20

Reciprocal: Genesis 25:28 - he did eat of his venison Genesis 27:9 - savoury Genesis 27:14 - mother Genesis 27:19 - that thy Genesis 27:31 - eat Genesis 28:1 - blessed Luke 24:50 - he lifted John 1:13 - nor of the will of the

Verse 6

Reciprocal: Genesis 25:28 - Rebekah

Verse 7

before the: Deuteronomy 33:1, Joshua 6:26, 1 Samuel 24:19

Reciprocal: Genesis 27:4 - that my Genesis 27:14 - mother

Verse 8

Genesis 27:13, Genesis 25:23, Acts 4:19, Acts 5:29, Ephesians 6:1

Reciprocal: Genesis 27:43 - obey Mark 6:24 - said

Verse 9

two: Judges 13:15, 1 Samuel 16:20

savoury: Matammim, from taam, to taste or relish: how dressed is uncertain, but its name declares it nature. Genesis 27:4

Reciprocal: Genesis 27:14 - mother Romans 9:16 - General

Verse 10

Reciprocal: Genesis 24:12 - I pray

Verse 11

hairy man: Genesis 25:25

Reciprocal: Obadiah 1:10 - violence

Verse 12

feel: Genesis 27:22, Job 12:16, 2 Corinthians 6:8

a deceiver: Genesis 27:36, Genesis 25:27, 1 Thessalonians 5:22

and I shall: Genesis 9:25, Deuteronomy 27:18, Jeremiah 48:10, Malachi 1:14

Reciprocal: Genesis 27:21 - may feel 2 Chronicles 22:3 - his counsellor

Verse 13

Upon: Genesis 25:23, Genesis 25:33, Genesis 43:9, 1 Samuel 14:24-28, 1 Samuel 14:36-45, 1 Samuel 25:24, 2 Samuel 14:9, Matthew 27:25

Reciprocal: Genesis 27:8 - General Genesis 27:43 - obey 2 Chronicles 22:3 - his counsellor

Verse 14

mother: Genesis 27:4, Genesis 27:7, Genesis 27:9, Genesis 27:17, Genesis 27:31, Genesis 25:28, Psalms 141:4, Proverbs 23:2, Proverbs 23:3, Luke 21:34

Verse 15

goodly raiment: Heb. desirable, Genesis 27:27, The Septuagint translates it "a goodly robe," which was a long garment that great men used to wear - Luke 20:46, Luke 15:22. The priest afterwards in the law had "holy garments" to minister in - Exodus 28:2-4. Whether the first-born before the law had such to minister in is not certain: for, had they been common garments, why did not Esau himself or his wives keep them? But being, in likelihood, holy robes, received from their ancestors, the mother of the family kept them in sweet chests, from moths and the like; whereupon it is said - Genesis 27:27,"Isaac smelled the smell of his garments.

Reciprocal: Genesis 48:18 - for this 1 Kings 20:6 - pleasant James 2:2 - goodly

Verse 16

skins: Travellers inform us, that the Eastern goats have long, fine, and beautiful hair, of the most delicate silky softness; indeed the animals generally in those hot countries are not covered with so thick a coat of hair as they are in more northerly regions; so that Isaac might easily be deceived, when his eyes were dim, and his feeling no less impaired than his sight. Genesis 27:16

Reciprocal: Genesis 25:25 - Esau Genesis 27:23 - his hands

Verse 17

Reciprocal: Genesis 27:14 - mother

Verse 18

Reciprocal: Genesis 37:13 - Here am I Isaiah 58:9 - Here

Verse 19

I am: Genesis 27:21, Genesis 27:24, Genesis 27:25, Genesis 25:25, Genesis 29:23-25, 1 Kings 13:18, 1 Kings 14:2, Isaiah 28:15, Zechariah 13:3, Zechariah 13:4, Matthew 26:70-74

that thy: Genesis 27:4

Reciprocal: Genesis 25:28 - he did eat of his venison Genesis 27:35 - General 1 Samuel 27:10 - And David

Verse 20

Because: Exodus 20:7, Job 13:7

to me: Heb. before me

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 21:2 - The king 1 Samuel 27:10 - And David Hebrews 7:7 - the less

Verse 21

Come: Psalms 73:28, Isaiah 57:19, James 4:8

may feel: Genesis 27:12

Reciprocal: Genesis 27:19 - I am

Verse 22

The voice: How wonderful, says Mr. Scott, is that difference which there is betwixt the faces and the voices of the several individuals of the human species! Scarcely any two of the innumerable millions are exactly alike in either, and yet the difference cannot be defined or described! The power, wisdom, and kindness of our Creator should be admired and adored in this remarkable circumstance; for they are very visible. This description of Jacob is not unaptly accommodated to the character of a hypocrite: his voice, his language, is that of a Christian; his hands, or conduct, that of an ungodly man, but the judgment will proceed from God, the Judge of all, at the last day, as in the present case, not by the voice, but by the hands. Genesis 27:22

Reciprocal: Genesis 27:12 - feel Judges 18:3 - they knew

Verse 23

his hands: Genesis 27:16

he blessed: Romans 9:11, Romans 9:12, Hebrews 11:20

Reciprocal: Genesis 25:25 - Esau Genesis 27:4 - that my

Verse 24

I am: 1 Samuel 21:2, 1 Samuel 21:13, 1 Samuel 27:10, 2 Samuel 14:5, Job 13:7, Job 13:8, Job 15:5, Proverbs 12:19, Proverbs 12:22, Proverbs 30:8, Zechariah 8:16, Romans 3:7, Romans 3:8, Ephesians 4:25, Colossians 3:9

Reciprocal: Genesis 27:19 - I am Galatians 2:13 - the other

Verse 25

that my: Genesis 27:4

Reciprocal: Genesis 14:19 - he blessed Genesis 25:28 - he did eat of his venison Genesis 27:19 - I am Genesis 27:33 - thou camest Esther 5:4 - the banquet

Verse 26

Reciprocal: Genesis 29:11 - kissed 2 Samuel 14:33 - kissed Absalom Song of Solomon 1:2 - him Matthew 26:49 - kissed him

Verse 27

blessed: Hebrews 11:20

the smell of a field: A field where aromatic plants, flowers, fruits, and spices grew in abundance, with which these garments - see note on Genesis 27:15 of Esau might probably have been perfumed by being laid up with them. Song of Solomon 2:13, Song of Solomon 4:11-14, Song of Solomon 7:12, Song of Solomon 7:13, Hosea 14:6, Hosea 14:7

which: Genesis 26:12, Hebrews 6:7

Reciprocal: Genesis 27:4 - that my Genesis 28:1 - blessed Genesis 48:10 - kissed Genesis 49:26 - have prevailed Numbers 6:23 - General Deuteronomy 33:1 - the blessing Ruth 1:9 - she kissed 1 Samuel 2:20 - blessed Song of Solomon 1:2 - him Malachi 1:2 - yet I

Verse 28

of the dew: Deuteronomy 11:11, Deuteronomy 11:12, Deuteronomy 32:2, Deuteronomy 33:13, Deuteronomy 33:28, 2 Samuel 1:21, 1 Kings 17:1, Psalms 65:9-13, Psalms 133:3, Isaiah 45:8, Jeremiah 14:22, Hosea 14:5-7, Micah 5:7, Hebrews 11:20

the fatness: Genesis 27:39, Genesis 45:18, Genesis 49:20, Numbers 13:20, Psalms 36:8, Romans 11:17

plenty: Deuteronomy 7:13, Deuteronomy 8:7-9, Deuteronomy 33:28, Joshua 5:6, 1 Kings 5:11, 2 Chronicles 2:10, Psalms 65:9, Psalms 65:13, Psalms 104:15, Joel 2:19, Zechariah 9:17

Reciprocal: Genesis 22:17 - in blessing Genesis 27:37 - with Genesis 32:29 - blessed Genesis 48:9 - bless them Exodus 21:2 - an Hebrew Job 38:28 - dew Proverbs 3:20 - the clouds Zechariah 8:12 - the heavens

Verse 29

Let people: Genesis 9:25, Genesis 9:26, Genesis 22:17, Genesis 22:18, Genesis 49:8-10, 2 Samuel 8:1-18, 2 Samuel 10:1-19, 1 Kings 4:21, Psalms 2:6-9, Psalms 72:8, Isaiah 9:7, Daniel 2:44, Daniel 2:45, Revelation 19:16

be lord: Genesis 27:37, Genesis 25:22, Genesis 25:23, Genesis 25:33, 2 Samuel 8:14, 1 Kings 11:15, 1 Kings 11:16, 1 Kings 22:47, 1 Chronicles 5:2, 2 Chronicles 25:11-14, Psalms 60:1-12, *title Psalms 60:2-12, Isaiah 63:1-6, Malachi 1:2-5, Romans 9:12

cursed: Genesis 12:3, Numbers 22:11, Numbers 22:12, Numbers 23:8, Numbers 24:9, Zephaniah 2:8, Zephaniah 2:9, Matthew 25:40, Matthew 25:45

Reciprocal: Genesis 12:2 - General Genesis 32:4 - my lord Genesis 32:29 - blessed Genesis 37:10 - Shall I Genesis 42:10 - General Genesis 43:26 - bowed Genesis 48:9 - bless them Genesis 50:18 - fell Numbers 22:6 - curse me Numbers 24:18 - General Deuteronomy 33:13 - the dew 1 Samuel 17:43 - cursed 1 Chronicles 18:13 - all the Edomites Ezekiel 25:14 - by the hand Amos 9:12 - Edom

Verse 30

Reciprocal: Genesis 10:9 - a mighty

Verse 31

eat: Genesis 27:4

Reciprocal: Genesis 25:28 - he did eat of his venison Genesis 27:14 - mother Hebrews 12:17 - when he

Verse 33

trembled very exceedingly: Heb. trembled with a great trembling greatly, Job 21:6, Job 37:1, Psalms 55:5

taken: Heb. hunted

thou camest: Genesis 27:25

yea: Genesis 28:3, Genesis 28:4, John 10:10, John 10:28, John 10:29, Romans 5:20, Romans 5:21, Romans 11:29, Ephesians 1:3, Hebrews 11:20

Reciprocal: Genesis 28:6 - Esau Genesis 31:42 - fear Genesis 32:28 - with men Genesis 42:28 - their heart 1 Chronicles 17:27 - blessest Esther 7:5 - Who is he Malachi 1:2 - yet I John 1:13 - nor of the will of the

Verse 34

he cried: 1 Samuel 30:4, Proverbs 1:24-28, Proverbs 1:31, Proverbs 19:3, Luke 13:24-28, Hebrews 12:17

Reciprocal: Genesis 27:38 - General Genesis 48:9 - bless them Exodus 12:32 - bless me Esther 4:1 - and cried Job 2:12 - their voice Luke 8:52 - all

Verse 35

Genesis 27:19-23, 2 Kings 10:19, Job 13:7, Malachi 2:10, Romans 3:7, Romans 3:8, 2 Corinthians 4:7, 1 Thessalonians 4:6

Reciprocal: Genesis 29:25 - wherefore Genesis 36:1 - General Joshua 9:22 - Wherefore Jeremiah 9:4 - every brother Luke 8:52 - all

Verse 36

Jacob: i.e. a supplanter, Genesis 25:26, Genesis 25:31-34, Genesis 32:28, John 1:47

he took: Genesis 25:26, Genesis 25:33, Genesis 25:34

Reciprocal: Genesis 27:12 - a deceiver Genesis 27:38 - General Genesis 29:25 - wherefore Exodus 21:2 - an Hebrew Joshua 9:22 - Wherefore Jeremiah 9:4 - every brother Acts 3:25 - the children Hebrews 12:16 - as Esau

Verse 37

I have: Genesis 27:29, Genesis 25:23, 2 Samuel 8:14, Romans 9:10-12

with: Genesis 27:28

sustained: or, supported

Reciprocal: Genesis 9:26 - his servant Genesis 32:4 - my lord Genesis 42:10 - General 1 Chronicles 18:13 - all the Edomites Proverbs 3:20 - the clouds Amos 9:12 - Edom

Verse 38

Genesis 27:34, Genesis 27:36, Genesis 49:28, Proverbs 1:24-26, Isaiah 32:10-12, Isaiah 65:14, Hebrews 12:17

Reciprocal: Genesis 21:16 - lift Exodus 12:32 - bless me Judges 21:2 - lifted

Verse 39

Behold: Genesis 36:6-8, Joshua 24:4, Hebrews 11:20

the fatness: or, of the fatness, Genesis 27:28, It is here foretold, says Bp. Newton, that as to temporal advantages, the two brothers should be much alike. - See note on Genesis 27:28. Esau had cattle, beasts, and substance in abundance, and he went to dwell in Mount Seir of his own accord. When the Israelites desired leave to pass through the territories of Edom, the country abounded with fruitful fields and vineyards - Numbers 20:17.

Reciprocal: Genesis 33:9 - have enough Genesis 49:26 - have prevailed 1 Chronicles 16:22 - prophets Job 38:28 - dew Psalms 105:15 - and do

Verse 40

thy sword: Genesis 32:6, Matthew 10:34

serve: Genesis 25:23, 2 Samuel 8:14, 1 Kings 11:15-17, 2 Kings 14:7, 2 Kings 14:10, 1 Chronicles 18:11-13, 2 Chronicles 25:11, 2 Chronicles 25:12, Psalms 60:8, Obadiah 1:17-21

that thou: 2 Kings 8:20-22, 2 Chronicles 21:8, 2 Chronicles 21:10, 2 Chronicles 28:17

Reciprocal: Genesis 9:26 - his servant Genesis 16:12 - his hand Genesis 25:27 - a cunning Genesis 49:26 - have prevailed Numbers 24:18 - General 1 Kings 22:47 - no king 2 Kings 8:22 - Yet 1 Chronicles 16:22 - prophets 1 Chronicles 18:13 - all the Edomites Job 24:5 - the wilderness Psalms 105:15 - and do Isaiah 9:4 - For thou hast broken Jeremiah 28:4 - I will break Ezekiel 33:26 - stand Amos 1:11 - because

Verse 41

hated: Genesis 4:2-8, Genesis 37:4, Genesis 37:8, Ezekiel 25:12-15, Ezekiel 35:5, Amos 1:11, Amos 1:12, Obadiah 1:10-14, 1 John 3:12-15

The days: Genesis 35:29, Genesis 50:3, Genesis 50:4, Genesis 50:10, Genesis 50:11, Deuteronomy 34:8, 2 Chronicles 35:24, Psalms 35:14

then: Genesis 32:6, 2 Samuel 13:28, 2 Samuel 13:29, Psalms 37:12, Psalms 37:13, Psalms 37:16, Psalms 140:4, Psalms 140:5, Psalms 142:3, Proverbs 1:12, Proverbs 1:13, Proverbs 1:16, Proverbs 6:14, Ecclesiastes 7:9, Obadiah 1:10, Ephesians 4:26, Ephesians 4:27, Titus 1:15, Titus 1:16, Titus 3:3, 1 John 3:12-15

Reciprocal: Genesis 23:2 - mourn Genesis 29:31 - was hated Genesis 31:18 - for to go Genesis 33:1 - Esau came Genesis 33:9 - my brother Genesis 35:1 - when thou Genesis 50:15 - their father Leviticus 19:17 - hate Numbers 20:20 - Thou shalt Deuteronomy 26:5 - ready Joshua 9:22 - Wherefore 2 Samuel 11:26 - she mourned 2 Samuel 13:32 - determined Proverbs 16:7 - he Proverbs 18:19 - brother Jeremiah 49:7 - Edom Mark 6:21 - when Ephesians 4:31 - with 1 John 3:15 - hateth

Verse 42

comfort himself: Genesis 37:18-20, Genesis 42:21, Genesis 42:22, 1 Samuel 30:5, Job 20:12-14, Psalms 64:5, Proverbs 2:14, Proverbs 4:16, Proverbs 4:17

Reciprocal: Genesis 33:1 - Esau came Genesis 50:15 - their father Ezekiel 25:12 - taking vengeance Ezekiel 35:5 - thou hast had 1 Corinthians 1:11 - it hath 2 Corinthians 9:1 - touching

Verse 43

obey: Genesis 27:8, Genesis 27:13, Genesis 28:7, Proverbs 30:17, Jeremiah 35:14, Acts 5:29

Haran: Genesis 11:31, Genesis 12:4, Genesis 12:5, Genesis 28:10

Reciprocal: Genesis 24:10 - city Genesis 29:4 - Of Haran Genesis 35:27 - Jacob Hosea 12:12 - Jacob

Verse 44

a few days: Genesis 31:38

Reciprocal: Genesis 30:25 - and to

Verse 45

then I: Proverbs 19:21, Lamentations 3:37, James 4:13-15

why: Genesis 4:8-16, Genesis 9:5, Genesis 9:6, 2 Samuel 14:6, 2 Samuel 14:7, Acts 28:4

Reciprocal: Genesis 30:25 - and to

Verse 46

I am: Numbers 11:15, 1 Kings 19:4, Job 3:20-22, Job 7:16, Job 14:13, Jonah 4:3, Jonah 4:9

because: Genesis 26:34, Genesis 26:35, Genesis 28:8, Genesis 34:1, Genesis 34:2

if Jacob: Genesis 24:3

Reciprocal: Genesis 6:2 - and they Genesis 21:21 - a wife Genesis 23:3 - Heth Genesis 24:37 - And my Genesis 28:1 - Thou shalt Genesis 34:9 - General Genesis 36:2 - Esau Numbers 12:1 - married 1 Chronicles 1:13 - Heth Isaiah 15:4 - his Jeremiah 4:31 - for my Malachi 2:15 - That he