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Genesis Chapter 27

Jacob Gets Isaac's Blessing Isaac sends Esau for venison.

27 1 Gen 48:10; 1 Sam 3:2; Ecc 12:3 A1And 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.

2 Pro 27:1; Jam 4:14 2And he said, Behold now, I am old, I know not the day of my death:

3 Gen 25:27-28 3Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison;

4 Heb 11:20; Deu 33:1; Gen 49:28; Gen 48:15 4And make me savoury meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless thee before I die.

5And Rebekah heard when Isaac spake to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt for venison, and to bring it. Rebekah instructs Jacob to obtain the blessing.

6¶And Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying,

7Bring me venison, and make me savoury meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before the Lord before my death.

8 Gen 27:13 8Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee.

9 Gen 27:4 9Go now to the flock, and fetch me from thence two good kids of the goats; and I will make them savoury meat for thy father, such as he loveth:

10 Gen 48:15 10And thou shalt bring it to thy father, that he may eat, and that he may bless thee before his death.

11 Gen 25:25 11And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, Behold, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man:

12 Gen 27:22; Gen 9:25; Deu 27:18 12My father peradventure will feel me, and I shall seem to him as a deceiver; and I shall bring a curse upon me, and not a blessing.

13 Mat 27:25; 2 Sam 14:9; 1 Sam 25:24; Gen 43:9 13And his mother said unto him, Upon me be thy curse, my son: only obey my voice, and go fetch me them. Jacob, feigning to be Esau, obtains it.

14 Gen 27:4; Gen 27:9 14And he went, and fetched, and brought them to his mother: and his mother made savoury meat, such as his father loved.

15 Gen 27:27 15And Rebekah took goodly raiment of her eldest son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them upon Jacob her younger son:

16And she put the skins of the kids of the goats upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck:

17And she gave the savoury meat and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob.

18¶And he came unto his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I; who art thou, my son?

19 Gen 27:4; Zec 13:4; Isa 28:15; 1 Kin 14:2; 1 Kin 13:18 19And Jacob said unto his father, I am Esau thy firstborn; I have done according as thou badest me: arise, I pray thee, sit and eat of my venison, that thy soul may bless me.

20 Exo 20:7 20And Isaac said unto his son, How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son? And he said, Because the Lord thy God brought it to me.

21 Gen 27:12 21And Isaac said unto Jacob, Come near, I pray thee, that I may feel thee, my son, whether thou be my very son Esau or not.

22And Jacob went near unto Isaac his father; and he felt him, and said, The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.

23 Gen 27:16 23And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau’s hands: so he blessed him.

24 Eph 4:25; Rom 3:7-8 24And he said, Art thou my very son Esau? And he said, I am.

25 Gen 27:4 25And he said, Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son’s venison, that my soul may bless thee. And he brought it near to him, and he did eat: and he brought him wine, and he drank.

26And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son.

27 Heb 11:20; Heb 6:7; SS 2:13; Hos 14:6 27And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord hath blessed:

28 Zec 9:17; Psa 65:9; Deu 33:28 28Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:

29 Num 24:9; Gen 12:3; Gen 49:8; Gen 25:23; Gen 9:25 29Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother’s sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee. Esau brings venison.

30¶And it came to pass, as soon as Isaac had made an end of blessing Jacob, and Jacob was yet scarce gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting.

31 Gen 27:4 31And he also had made savoury meat, and brought it unto his father, and said unto his father, Let my father arise, and eat of his son’s venison, that thy soul may bless me.

32And Isaac his father said unto him, Who art thou? And he said, I am thy son, thy firstborn Esau. Isaac trembles.

33 Rom 11:29; Eph 1:3; Num 23:20; Gen 28:3-4 33And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed. Esau complains, and by importunity obtains a blessing.

34 Heb 12:17 34And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father.

35 1 The 4:6 35And he said, Thy brother came with subtilty, and hath taken away thy blessing.

36 Gen 25:33; Gen 25:26 36And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me?

37 2 Sam 8:14; Gen 27:28 37And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine have I sustained him: and what shall I do now unto thee, my son?

38 Heb 12:17 38And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept.

39 Heb 11:20 39And Isaac his father answered and said unto him, Behold, thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above;

40 2 Kin 8:20; Oba 1:18-20; 2 Sam 8:14; Gen 25:23 40And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck.

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Introductions and Outlines courtesy Grace to You. Used by permission)

Introduction to Genesis
by John MacArthur

Title

The English title, Genesis, comes from the Greek translation (Septuagint, LXX)¹ meaning “origins”; whereas, the Hebrew title is derived from the Bible’s very first word, translated “in the beginning.” Genesis serves to introduce the Pentateuch (the first 5 books of the OT) and the entire Bible. The influence of Genesis in Scripture is demonstrated by its being quoted over 35 times in the NT and hundreds of allusions appearing in both Testaments. The story line of salvation which begins in Gen 3 is not completed until Rev 21, 22 where the eternal kingdom of redeemed believers is gloriously pictured.

Author and Date

While 1) the author does not identify himself in Genesis and 2) Genesis ends almost 3 centuries before Moses was born, both the OT (Ex 17:14; Num 33:2; Josh 8:31; 1 Kin. 2:3; 2 Kin 14:6; Ezra 6:18; Neh 13:1; Dan 9:11, 13; Mal 4:4) and the NT (Matt 8:4; Mark 12:26; Luke 16:29; 24:27, 44; John 5:46; 7:22; Acts 15:1; Rom 10:19; 1 Cor. 9:9; 2 Cor 3:15) ascribe this composition to Moses, who is the fitting author in light of his educational background (cf. Acts 7:22). No compelling reasons have been forthcoming to challenge Mosaic authorship. Genesis was written after the Exodus (ca. 1445 B.C.), but before Moses’ death (ca. 1405 B.C.). For a brief biographical sketch of Moses read Ex 1-6.

Background and Setting

The initial setting for Genesis is eternity past. God then, by willful act and divine Word, spoke all creation into existence, furnished it, and finally breathed life into a lump of dirt which He fashioned in His image to become Adam. God made mankind the crowning point of His creation, i.e., His companions who would enjoy fellowship with Him and bring glory to His name. The historical background for the early events in Genesis is clearly Mesopotamian. While it is difficult to pinpoint precisely the historical moment for which this book was written, Israel first heard Genesis sometime prior to crossing the Jordan River and entering the Promised Land (ca. 1405 B.C.). Genesis has 3 distinct, sequential geographical settings: 1) Mesopotamia (chaps. 1-11); 2) the Promised Land (chaps. 12-36); and 3) Egypt (chaps. 37-50). The time frames of these 3 segments are: 1) Creation to ca. 2090 B.C.; 2) 2090-1897 B.C.; and 3) 1897-1804 B.C. Genesis covers more time than the remaining books of the Bible combined.

Historical and Theological Themes

In this book of beginnings, God revealed Himself and a worldview to Israel which contrasted, at times sharply, with the worldview of Israel’s neighbors. The author made no attempt to defend the existence of God or to present a systematic discussion of His person and works. Rather, Israel’s God distinguished Himself clearly from the alleged gods of her neighbors. Theological foundations are revealed which include God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, man, sin, redemption, covenant, promise, Satan and angels, kingdom, revelation, Israel, judgment, and blessing.

Genesis 1-11 (primeval history) reveals the origins of the universe, i.e., the beginnings of time and space and many of the firsts in human experience, such as marriage, family, the Fall, sin, redemption, judgment, and nations. Genesis 12-50 (patriarchal history) explained to Israel how they came into existence as a family whose ancestry could be traced to Eber (hence the “Hebrews”; Gen 10:24, 25) and even more remotely to Shem, the son of Noah (hence the “Semites”; Gen 10:21). God’s people came to understand not only their ancestry and family history, but also the origins of their institutions, customs, languages, and different cultures, especially basic human experiences such as sin and death.

Because they were preparing to enter Canaan and dispossess the Canaanite inhabitants of their homes and properties, God revealed their enemies’ background. In addition, they needed to understand the actual basis of the war they were about to declare in light of the immorality of killing, consistent with the other 4 books that Moses was writing (Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy). Ultimately, the Jewish nation would understand a selected portion of preceding world history and the inaugural background of Israel as a basis by which they would live in their new beginnings under Joshua’s leadership in the land which had previously been promised to their original patriarchal forefather, Abraham.

Genesis 12:1-3 established a primary focus on God’s promises to Abraham. This narrowed their view from the entire world of peoples in Gen 1-11 to one small nation, Israel, through whom God would progressively accomplish His redemptive plan. This underscored Israel’s mission to be “a light to the Gentiles” (Is 42:6). God promised land, descendants (seed), and blessing. This 3-fold promise became, in turn, the basis of the covenant with Abraham (Gen 15:1-20). The rest of Scripture bears out the fulfillment of these promises.

On a larger scale, Gen 1-11 set forth a singular message about the character and works of God. In the sequence of accounts which make up these chapters of Scripture, a pattern emerges which reveals God’s abundant grace as He responded to the willful disobedience of mankind. Without exception, in each account God increased the manifestation of His grace. But also without exception, man responded in greater sinful rebellion. In biblical words, the more sin abounded the more did God’s grace abound (cf. Rom 5:20).

One final theme of both theological and historical significance sets Genesis apart from other books of Scripture, in that the first book of Scripture corresponds closely with the final book. In the book of Revelation, the paradise which was lost in Genesis will be regained. The apostle John clearly presented the events recorded in his book as future resolutions to the problems which began as a result of the curse in Gen 3. His focus is upon the effects of the Fall in the undoing of creation and the manner in which God rids His creation of the curse effect. In John’s own words, “And there shall be no more curse” (Rev 22:3). Not surprisingly, in the final chapter of God’s Word, believers will find themselves back in the Garden of Eden, the eternal paradise of God, eating from the tree of life (Rev 22:1-14). At that time, they will partake, wearing robes washed in the blood of the Lamb (Rev 22:14).

Interpretive Challenges

Grasping the individual messages of Genesis which make up the larger plan and purpose of the book presents no small challenge since both the individual accounts and the book’s overall message offer important lessons to faith and works. Genesis presents creation by divine fiat, ex nihilo, i.e., “out of nothing.” Three traumatic events of epic proportions, namely the Fall, the universal Flood, and the Dispersion of nations are presented as historical backdrop in order to understand world history. From Abraham on, the pattern is to focus on God’s redemption and blessing. The customs of Genesis often differ considerably from those of our modern day. They must be explained against their ancient Near Eastern background. Each custom must be treated according to the immediate context of the passage before any attempt is made to explain it based on customs recorded in extrabiblical sources or even elsewhere in Scripture.

1. LXX Septuagint—an ancient translation of the Old Testament into Greek.

Outline of Genesis
by John MacArthur

Genesis by content is comprised of two basic sections: 1) Primitive history (Gen 1-11) and 2) Patriarchal history (Gen 12-50). Primitive history records 4 major events: 1) Creation (Gen 1, 2); 2) the Fall (Gen 3-5); 3) the Flood (Gen 6-9); and 4) the Dispersion (Gen 10, 11). Patriarchal history spotlights 4 great men: 1) Abraham (Gen 12:1-25:8); 2) Isaac (Gen 21:1-35:29); 3) Jacob (Gen 25:21-50:14); and 4) Joseph (Gen 30:22-50:26).

The literary structure of Genesis is built on the frequently recurring phrase “the history/genealogy of” and is the basis for the following outline:

I. The Creation of Heaven and Earth (Gen 1:1-2:3)

II. The Generations of the Heavens and the Earth (Gen 2:4-4:26)

A. Adam and Eve in Eden (Gen 2:4-25)
B. The Fall and Its Outcomes (Gen 3)
C. Murder of a Brother (Gen 4:1-24)
D. Hope in the Descendants of Seth (Gen 4:25, 26)

III. The Generations of Adam (Gen 5:1-6:8)

A. Genealogy—Seth to Noah (Gen 5)
B. Rampant Sin Prior to the Flood (Gen 6:1-8)

IV. The Generations of Noah (Gen 6:9-9:29)

A. Preparation for the Flood (Gen 6:9-7:9)
B. The Flood and Deliverance (Gen 7:10-8:19)
C. God’s Noahic Covenant (Gen 8:20-9:17)
D. The History of Noah’s Descendants (Gen 9:18-29)

V. The Generations of Shem, Ham, and Japheth (Gen 10:1-11:9)

A. The Nations (Gen 10)
B. Dispersion of the Nations (Gen 11:1-9)

VI. The Generations of Shem: Genealogy of Shem to Terah (Gen 11:10-26)

VII. The Generations of Terah (Gen 11:27-25:11)

A. Genealogy (Gen 11:27-32)
B. The Abrahamic Covenant: His Land and People (Gen 12:1-22:19)
1. Journey to the Promised Land (Gen 12:1-9)
2. Redemption from Egypt (Gen 12:10-20)
3. Division of the land (Gen 13)
4. Victory over the kings (Gen 14)
5. The covenant ratified (Gen 15)
6. Rejection of Hagar and Ishmael (Gen 16)
7. The covenant confirmed (Gen 17)
8. Birth of Isaac foretold (Gen 18:1-15)
9. Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 18:16-19:38)
10. Philistine encounter (Gen 20)
11. Isaac’s birth (Gen 21)
12. Abraham’s act of faith with Isaac (Gen 22:1-19)
C. Abraham’s Promised Seed (Gen 22:20-25:11)
1. Rebekah’s background (Gen 22:20-24)
2. Death of Sarah (Gen 23)
3. Isaac’s marriage to Rebekah (Gen 24)
4. Isaac the only heir (Gen 25:1-6)
5. Death of Abraham (Gen 25:7-11)

VIII. The Generations of Ishmael (Gen 25:12-18)

IX. The Generations of Isaac (Gen 25:19-35:29)

A. Competition Between Esau and Jacob (Gen 25:19-34)
B. Covenant Blessings to Isaac (Gen 26)
C. Jacob’s Deception for the Blessing (Gen 27:1-40)
D. Blessing on Jacob in a Foreign Land (Gen 27:41-32:32)
1. Jacob sent to Laban (Gen 27:41-28:9)
2. Angel at Bethel (Gen 28:10-22)
3. Disagreements with Laban (Gen 29:1-30)
4. Promised seed (Gen 29:31-30:24)
5. Departure from Aram (Gen 30:25-31:55)
6. Angels at Mahanaim and Penuel (Gen 32)
E. Esau’s Reunion and Reconciliation with Jacob (Gen 33:1-17)
F. Events and Deaths from Shechem to Mamre (Gen 33:18-35:29)

X. The Generations of Esau (Gen 36:1-37:1)

XI. The Generations of Jacob (Gen 37:2-50:26)

A. Joseph’s Dreams (Gen 37:2-11)
B. Family Tragedy (Gen 37:12-38:30)
C. Vice Regency over Egypt (chaps. 39-41)
D. Reunion with Family (chaps. 42-45)
E. Transition to Exodus (chaps. 46-50)
1. Journey to Egypt (Gen 46:1-27)
2. Occupation in Goshen (Gen 46:28-47:31)
3. Blessings on the twelve tribes (Gen 48:1-49:28)
4. Death and burial of Jacob in Canaan (Gen 49:29-50:14)
5. Death of Joseph in Egypt (Gen 50:15-26)

Introduction to Genesis
by John MacArthur

Title

Author and Date

Background and Setting

Historical and Theological Themes

Interpretive Challenges

Outline of Genesis
by John MacArthur

I. The Creation of Heaven and Earth (Gen 1:1-2:3)

II. The Generations of the Heavens and the Earth (Gen 2:4-4:26)

III. The Generations of Adam (Gen 5:1-6:8)

IV. The Generations of Noah (Gen 6:9-9:29)

V. The Generations of Shem, Ham, and Japheth (Gen 10:1-11:9)

VI. The Generations of Shem: Genealogy of Shem to Terah (Gen 11:10-26)

VII. The Generations of Terah (Gen 11:27-25:11)

VIII. The Generations of Ishmael (Gen 25:12-18)

IX. The Generations of Isaac (Gen 25:19-35:29)

X. The Generations of Esau (Gen 36:1-37:1)

XI. The Generations of Jacob (Gen 37:2-50:26)

The 1440 Agenda

Remembering Marcy

Study Bible

Introduction to Genesisby John MacArthur

Title

Author and Date

Background and Setting

Historical and Theological Themes

Interpretive Challenges

Outline of Genesisby John MacArthur

I. The Creation of Heaven and Earth (Gen 1:1-2:3)

II. The Generations of the Heavens and the Earth (Gen 2:4-4:26)

III. The Generations of Adam (Gen 5:1-6:8)

IV. The Generations of Noah (Gen 6:9-9:29)

V. The Generations of Shem, Ham, and Japheth (Gen 10:1-11:9)

VI. The Generations of Shem: Genealogy of Shem to Terah (Gen 11:10-26)

VII. The Generations of Terah (Gen 11:27-25:11)

VIII. The Generations of Ishmael (Gen 25:12-18)

IX. The Generations of Isaac (Gen 25:19-35:29)

X. The Generations of Esau (Gen 36:1-37:1)

XI. The Generations of Jacob (Gen 37:2-50:26)

Books of the Bible

Chapters in Genesis

The 1440 Agenda

Introduction to Genesis
by John MacArthur

Outline of Genesis
by John MacArthur