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THE PATRIARCHAL BLESSING OF THE FIRSTBORN

Text: Genesis 27
31 July 2012

(I) THE PATRIARCHAL BLESSING OF THE FIRSTBORN

1. Invoking the name of God to bless (Genesis 27:27-28)

2. Content of Divine blessing (Genesis 27:27-29)

a) Dew of heaven

b) Fatness of the earth

c) Plenty of grain and wine

d) Peoples/nations in service

e) Master of the clan

f) All to submit to the master (new)

g) A curse on anyone who curses

h) A blessing on anyone who blesses

3. Jacob leaves his father’s presence immediately (Genesis 27:30)

(II) ESAU GREETS HIS FATHER

1. He brings the savoury food to his father (Genesis 27:30-31)

2. He then asks for his father’s blessing (Genesis 27:31)

(III) ISAAC’S DISTRESS

1. He realises his mistake

2. The patriarchal blessing had been given (Genesis 27:33)

3. His blessing cannot be retracted or revoked (Genesis 27:33)

(IV) FURY OF ESAU

1. He pleads for his father to bless him (Genesis 27:34)

2. Isaac laments with Esau (Genesis 27:35)

3. Esau cries out bitterly against Jacob

a) He had stolen his birthright

b) He had stolen his father’s blessing (Genesis 27:36)

(V) ESAU BEGS FOR A BLESSING FROM ISAAC

Genesis 27:37-40

1. Heaven and earth will also be kind to Esau (Plenary blessing)

2. Esau will live by the strength of his sword

3. One day he will break free from the yoke of servitude to Jacob

(VI) DEEP HATRED IN THE FAMILY

Genesis 27:41

1. Esau hates Jacob

2. Plans to kill his twin brother after the death of Isaac

(VII) REBEKAH SCHEMES AGAIN

1. She plans to send Jacob away to her family in Haran (Genesis 27:42-43)

2. She speaks to Isaac about sending Jacob to find a wife among her people

3. She fears that Jacob might also marry a Hittite