Learning From OT Greats: Jacob – Wrestling With PurposeSample

Day 1: Jacob steals Esau’s blessing

Thoughts on the Passage

Jacob’s name means “supplanter” or “usurper”. Another word for it is thief. Jacob lived down to his name.

 He was constantly striving for things and would do whatever it took to get them. At times that meant that he would steal. This is exactly what we see in this passage. Esau, in the past, gave up his birthright to Jacob for a small amount. However, Esau cared deeply about the blessing of his father – and the promise that came with it (God’s blessing on Abraham). Jacob and his mother knew God had promised it to Jacob. So they worked out a plan and made sure that Isaac gave the birthright to Jacob – thinking he was giving it to Esau.

There are lots of things about this passage that needs some background.

First, Ishmael, Isaac’s brother had recently died. Isaac is blind and feeling his mortality. He likely feels that he will also soon die. 

Second, Jacob is about 70-75 years old and still not married. Esau married at age 40 and has a family and is taking responsibility for his life. Who would you trust with a destiny?

Third, Isaac loves Esau more than Jacob. We do not know why, but it is likely that Esau’s more assertive nature and more “manly” character causes a special bond between father and son. That bond does not exist between Jacob and Isaac. This leads to favoritism and causes Isaac to act against the plan of God.

In the end, Jacob steals the blessing from Esau. It was the only way he felt he could get it. It was wrong. It broke the family apart. God allowed it, because it gave the blessing where God wanted it. However, the cost of doing it Jacob’s way rather than God’s way destroyed the family bonds. That is what happens when we get in and try to “help” God. Let God do it His way.

Application to our Lives

Is there something that you have been promised by God but have taken into your own hands to see it fulfilled? If there has been a time, repent and take your hands off.

Have you been enamoured by people who fit your understanding of a “great” person, but it does not fit God’s definition? Be careful about placing trust in them. There is a reason why God says “no”.

Time to Pray

Father, I am reminded of the times that I heard Your promises – and some are not yet fulfilled. I wonder how You will do it. I know that I have tried to take it myself – and created a mess. I do not want to do that again. I know that You are a promise-keeping God. Today, I am reminded about the cost of trying to help You – it is a high cost. It breaks relationships and delays so much of what You desire. I know You can turn it around for good, but that does not mean that the cost of disobedience is removed. I have seen it in my life – and I do not want it to happen again. So strengthen my heart to wait. In Jesus name, Amen.