Genesis 27:30-46
Hebrews 12:16-17 links this story with chapter 25. Esau, who has been left out, desires passionately to inherit the blessing but he is rejected in spite of his tears. He once despised it and now it is too late. The world is full of people, like this man, who sell their precious souls in exchange for some passing pleasure. Their god is their belly and their thoughts are of earthly things (Philippians 3:19). They are men of the world and they have their portion in this life (Psalms 17:14). A terrible awakening awaits them when, later, they will recognize their folly. All the tears shed in that dreadful place, where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, will be as unavailing as Esau’s here to receive the blessing lost through their fault alone.
Jacob’s difficulties are about to begin. His brother’s hate, aroused by spite and jealousy, obliges him to leave home. He will not see his mother again, although she only envisaged a separation of a few days (v. 44). Rebekah will also suffer the consequences of their joint deception.
In giving such importance to the story of Jacob’s life, Scripture allows us to admire the long and patient work of God’s grace towards one of His own.