Genesis 27:25-29

Genesis 27:25-29

Isaac is old and considers himself near death. He tells his eldest son, Esau, to bring his favorite meal and that he will bless Esau after the meal. Meanwhile Isaac's wife, Rebekah, has overheard this plan and works with the younger son, Jacob, to impersonate Esau and gain Isaac's blessing. (Remember, Esau has already surrendered his birthright to Jacob for a meal - now he will lose his blessing to Jacob during another meal).

Two children and the parents playing favorites. "...Now Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison, and Rebekah loved Jacob..."  I think no good will come of this.

Then he [Isaac] said, “My son, bring me some of your game to eat, so that I may give you my blessing.” Jacob brought it to him and he ate; and he brought some wine and he drank. Then his father Isaac said to him, “Come here, my son, and kiss me.” So he went to him and kissed him. When Isaac caught the smell of his clothes, he blessed him and said:

      “Ah, the smell of my son
       is like the smell of a field
       that the Lord has blessed.

       
       May God give you heaven’s dew
       and earth’s richness—
       an abundance of grain and new wine.

       
       May nations serve you
       and peoples bow down to you.

       
       Be lord over your brothers,
       and may the sons of your mother bow down to you.

       
       May those who curse you be cursed
       and those who bless you be blessed.”

The topical Bible lists this section under the category of prayer. I can certainly see this as a blessing or benediction, maybe even prophecy, but it doesn't look like a prayer to me.  I'll keep the door open however, just in case we encounter a wider definition of blessing.

It is interesting to note that Isaac does not bless Esau by name -- instead he says, "My son" and "your brothers" and "sons of your mother." I wonder if this was a common practice for bestowing a blessing, or if his thoughts became clouded.

The reference to "brothers" and "sons" (plural) must mean the following generations - since I can't find any mention of Jacob and Esau having other siblings.

In any case, I don't think getting (or not getting) Isaac's blessing is a big enough caliber to affect God's plans for Jacob's life. Just not enough firepower.   God has proceeded against societal norms twice - making a covenant with Isaac, the younger son, instead of with Ishmael.  Now God is preparing to work with Jacob, the younger son, instead of with Esau.

As this tale continues, and Isaac discovers the deception that Jacob has worked, I wonder why Isaac didn't just rescind the blessing?  Is a blessing given falsely still a blessing?  Is there a "no takebacks" rule when giving blessings?