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"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau..."

Text: Hebrews 11:20

A PAINFUL CHAPTER

Isaac’s life had a painful chapter. His two sons were at loggerheads with each other. Jacob, through deceit had stolen his brother’s blessing. Esau was so furious that he swore that he would kill Jacob after his father’s death (Cf. Genesis 27).

THE BLESSING OF THE FIRSTBORN

Isaac understood the significance of this prayer of blessing upon the firstborn.

“May God give you of the dew of heaven,
of the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain and wine.
Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you.
be master of your brethren, and let your mother’s sons bow down
to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be
everyone who blesses you!”
Genesis 27:28-29

IT TOOK FAITH

The blessing of the firstborn had gone to Jacob! Isaac could not reverse this word of blessing. Esau pleaded with his father to give him another blessing. Isaac would have to find that special stretch of faith to come out with a blessing for his beloved Esau! That blessing was found “by faith”.

“And Esau said to his father, ‘Have you only one blessing,
my father? Bless me- me also. O my father!’ And Esau lifted up
his voice and wept.
Then Isaac his father answered and said to him:
‘Behold, your dwelling shall be of the fatness of the earth,
And of the dew of heaven from above.
By your sword you shall live. And you shall serve your brother;
And it shall come to pass, when you become restless,
That you shall break his yoke from your neck.'”
Genesis 27:38-40

BOTH JACOB AND ESAU WERE BLESSED

The following text bears testimony of the efficacy of faith!

“By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning
things to come.”
Hebrews 11:20

The above is most heartening.

1. The order could not be reversed.

2. It was now “Jacob and Esau” (rather than “Esau and Jacob”).

3. But Isaac could still bless his sons “concerning the things to come”. The faith of Isaac was honoured by God!