Genesis 27:31Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Upon his arrival, it is recorded, “He also prepared a meal, and brought it to his father, and said to his father, ‘Arise, my father, and eat of thy son's game, that thy soul may bless me.’” Observe how the just man returns to experience distress, grappling with turmoil within his spirit.

Jacob received the blessing and departed. Shortly after, Esau arrived, made a meal, and invited his father to partake in it.

Esau’s act of consuming signifies the reverence found within the law among the people, who, with pride and a false sense of righteousness through circumcision, presented it to the new Gentile believers as sustenance, despite their own spiritual hunger, as they remained unable to grasp the Bread of Life. Esau declared, “Let my father arise and eat the spoil of his son, that your soul may bless me.” This reveals the arrogance and vanity in his heart, as even today some among them boast of their circumcision, believing that they alone have been justified. In contrast, the humble and diligent James addressed his father with sincerity: “I have done as you instructed” (Gen. 27:19). Unlike him, Esau insisted, “Let my father arise, and eat the spoil of his son, that your soul may bless me.”

Upon realizing that he had conferred his blessing upon Jacob rather than Esau, Isaac was struck with dismay at having done so contrary to his intentions. However, he acknowledged the irrevocability of his blessing—“I will bless him, and he shall be blessed”—recognizing that his words held prophetic weight, inspired by the Holy Spirit, rather than being the mere words of a typical father. Isaac later reaffirmed his blessing to Jacob when he permitted him to journey to Mesopotamia (Genesis 28:3-4). It does not seem that Isaac, misled by Jacob, felt anger; rather, he was aware of his own shortcomings. In his error, he perceived it as divine discipline stemming from his favoritism toward Esau, whom he desired to bless, despite knowing Esau's unworthiness and the revelation God had given to Rebekah prior to his birth.