Day 21: Genesis 27-29

Isaac is old now, and he decides to impart his blessing to his son, Esau, before he dies. He instructs him to go hunting, find some game, prepare a delicious meal, and then he will bless him. Rebekah is eavesdropping and devises a scheme to get Jacob to steal the blessing from Esau. A birthright is a physical inheritance, and Jacob had already stolen that. Now, he will be going in to steal the blessing. This is a spiritual blessing and a passing on of God’s covenant.

Rebekah tells Jacob to get goats from the flock, and she will prepare them. She cooks them and prepares a delicious meal, and uses the goat skins to put on Jacob’s hands and neck, along with Esau’s nice clothes. Jacob obeys, presents the food to his father, deceives him, and steals the blessing. While Isaac questioned three times whether it was really Esau, he relented and believed it was him because of the smell and feel of goat which was Esau’s smell, despite the fact that Jacob’s voice betrayed him. He’d successfully tricked his father.

Esau comes in from hunting, prepares the meal, and learns that his blessing has been stolen. He is so distraught that he cries out in anguish and decides to cope by planning to kill his brother Jacob after Isaac dies. Especially since he received more of a curse than a blessing. Rebekah is eavesdropping again, and she warns Jacob and plans to send him to her brother Laban. Isaac agrees with her, and they tell him not to marry a Canaanite woman as Canaanites are enemies of God, and he blesses him with Abraham’s blessing and sends him to Laban’s family. 

On the way, Jacob encounters God while he is asleep on a stone. He has a dream of angels ascending and descending on a ladder. This represents God connecting Himself to Earth via the Ladder (Jesus). Here we see Jacob getting a spiritual perspective on what is happening in his life. He hears God’s promise personally, and he sees God’s presence.

He builds a pillar, which is actually a pagan Canaanite structure according to the Bible Recap. We also see in verse 21 that Yahweh isn’t Jacob’s God yet. He says that the LORD will be his God after God is with him and provides for him and brings him back to his father’s house in peace. This is interesting.

He makes his way to the city of his Uncle Laban, and he sees Rachel. He is smitten by her. His uncle seems to welcome him and treat him like a close family member, but then he deceives him! He agrees to give Rachel to Jacob as a wife after 7 years of work, but when it is dark, he gives his firstborn, Leah. This isn’t fair to her or Jacob, but Jacob had indeed reaped the deception that he sowed in the past. 

Jacob requests Rachel and agrees to work 7 more years for her. He and Leah are in a loveless marriage. But God sees her and opens her womb. God has a special affinity for the overlooked and unloved (The Bible Recap). Leah has 4 sons, but after that fourth son, she realizes that Jacob just isn’t going to love her, so she decides to shift her attention and focus on God, and decides that God is enough and He loves her even though Jacob doesn’t.

No matter what you experience in life, remember that God is enough. He is your source and provides everything you need. He sees you, He cares, He is with you, and He loves you more than you know!

This is a grace-filled space—come as you are. If you’d like, comment below to share what stood out to you; your words may bless another sister. You can also connect with us in our GroupMe Bible Study chat (link in your email).

Resources Used:

ESV Single Column Journaling Bible (Original, Black): Holy Bible, English Standard Version

The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda

The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible

Bible Hub: https://biblehub.com/

Crayola Silly Scents Twistables Colored Pencils, 12 count

BIC Xtra Strong Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Thick Point (0.9mm), 24-Count

Mr. Pen- Sticky Index Tabs, 480 Pcs, Colorful Sticky Tabs for Notebooks

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Note: I'm sharing my personal study notes, which means they may contain grammatical, doctrinal, or technical errors. Extend grace as we learn together, and be sure to study the Word for yourself.

By: LaRissa J

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