Genesis 27:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consider Rebekah, this extraordinary mother who cherished her son deeply. Acting not solely out of her own volition but as a vessel for the realization of divine prophecy, she strives to alleviate her son's apprehension and embolden him to pursue this guidance. She does not assure him that he can deceive his father and remain undiscovered; instead, she declares, “Upon me,” says she, “let thy curse be upon me, my son; only obey my words, and go and fetch me.” He questions whether any harm might come to her should events unfold this way, but she reassures him that he need not fear. “Be confident, and ‘obey my words,’” she insists, urging him to follow her counsel. Indeed, this exemplifies a mother’s love—her willingness to endure anything for her child's sake.

Why was Rebekah so confident that Jacob would obtain the blessing, to the point where she could declare, ‘Thy oath is upon me, child: only hear my voice’ (Genesis 27:13)? She had been informed in advance by the God of all humanity that ‘the greater shall work for the lesser’ (Genesis 25:23). Trusting this prophetic message, she took every measure to ensure that Jacob would receive his father’s blessing.

Since it was unnecessary for the sacrament to be realized through another, she said to him, “Let your curse fall on me, my child; simply listen to my voice and go retrieve it for me.” It is possible that Rebekah’s words foreshadowed a fulfillment concerning the Church. Her statement, “Let your curse fall on me, my child,” suggests that some now criticize the Church for venerating the Crucified, thereby placing upon us a curse and dishonor. To those who do not believe, the suffering of the Lord is a curse, whereas for those who believe, it brings “life and peace” (Rom. 8:6). Furthermore, the Apostle asserts, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, becoming for us a curse” (Gal. 3:13).

I accept your curse upon myself. In place of these words, Onkelos conveys that Rebekah says: It has been revealed to me that no curse will befall you, my son. By acknowledging the sin and peril associated with the plan she has for Jacob, Rebekah underscores that her actions are both virtuous and safe. Her assurance stems from God's divine choice of Jacob, his intrinsic dignity, the inadequacy of his brother, and the divine inspiration given to her in this pivotal moment.

Jacob did not immediately consent to his mother's scheme. He expressed concern that Esau was ‘hairy,’ as he was born, highlighting their physical differences (Genesis 25:25). Jacob correctly feared that if he approached their father under Esau's name, the blind Isaac would easily detect the deception by touch, leading to a curse instead of a blessing. However, Rebekah assured Jacob, 'Your oath is upon me,' confident that there would be no oath needed, believing that God's will for the younger sibling to have prominence over the elder would indeed come to pass. Her faith was not misplaced; Isaac mistook Jacob for Esau and bestowed his blessing on him. Rebekah's plan succeeded, but to ensure she understood the gravity of her deceit, God decreed that she would soon lose her son.