Genesis 27:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Observe, in addition to love, the remarkable wisdom displayed by Rebekah. (Refer to Genesis 25:25-26, Genesis 27:11) Consequently, she dressed Jacob in the garments of Esau, and covered him with animal skins, ensuring that he appeared convincing from every angle, thereby facilitating the deception. She provided him with food and bread, preparing him to approach his father. It is essential to recognize that this was also an act of divine grace. When we do what is within our ability, we are met with substantial assistance from God. In order to prevent us from becoming complacent, the Lord desires that we contribute our efforts; then He reveals His aid. Not all comes solely from heaven; we are also called to play a part. God does not require everything from us, being aware of our frailty, but by honoring His humanity and wishing to have a basis for His generosity, He anticipates that we will offer our utmost.

Rebekah encourages Jacob to alert Esau and rejoice in the blessing. Initially hesitant, Jacob, pressed by his mother, selected two beautiful and tender goats from the pasture and prepared them as food. However, he was indeed exposed by the Jewish people as careless, yet quick to make promises. Consequently, they made way for another, receiving a warning from Jacob, who was known to stammer, representing a new, believing people. This new community offered to God what He desired, while the original firstborn people were evasive and sluggish; they bore the fruit of faith, which the Divine essence accepts in place of traditional offerings. Likewise, the Savior anticipated the conversion of the Samaritans to the holy Apostles, stating, “I have food which ye know not” (John 4:32).

Jacob did not readily acquiesce to his mother’s request. He expressed concern to her that Esau was “hairy,” being born covered in hair (Genesis 25:25). Jacob feared that if he approached their father while pretending to be Esau, the blind Isaac would easily detect the deception through touch, resulting in a curse rather than a blessing for the deceiver. However, Rebekah assured Jacob, “Your oath is upon me,” as she believed that her son would not need an actual oath and that God's divine plan would ensure that the younger son would take precedence over the elder. Her faith was justified; Isaac mistakenly identified Jacob as Esau and blessed him.