Genesis 27:35Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Every allegorical passage or statement has one meaning in its literal interpretation and suggests a deeper significance in its spiritual interpretation. This is why such spiritual meaning is deemed cunning. Thus, when it is said that he approached with cunning to seize your blessing, it is evident that this reference to guile carries a figurative meaning. Isaac would not bestow his blessing upon a deceitful man deserving of a curse. Therefore, the scenario does not embody true deception, especially since the man did not fabricate a lie when he claimed, “I am Esau, your firstborn” (Gen. 27:19). Jacob had already entered into an agreement with his brother, who had sold him his birthright. Thus, he articulated to his father what had already been rightfully obtained from his sibling: to the firstborn went what the other had forfeited. The birthright was not annulled; it remained within Isaac’s household. It stayed there, but not with the one who relinquished it. Where else could it reside but with the younger brother? Aware of the decree, Isaac affirmed the blessing and turned to his other son, asking, “What shall I do for you, my son?” To which he responded, “My father, is there only one blessing for you? Bless me too, my father!” Yet Isaac recognized the uniqueness of the blessing he could offer.

To justify Rebekah and Jacob’s actions, it is important to recall that Esau willingly surrendered his birthright to Jacob (Gen. 25:33-34), and God had already revealed to Rebekah that the older would serve the younger (Gen. 25:23). St. Chrysostom reflects on the blessing of Esau and Jacob, noting the profound wisdom of God: “Beloved! Consider the unfathomable wisdom of the Almighty. The Father, desiring to show natural affection, directs Esau, while the ingenious Master, through Rebekah, brings His preordained plan to fruition, illustrating the immense power of virtue and gentleness. The one who expected to possess the birthright through both natural expectation and parental bias suddenly found himself bereft of everything because he failed to prove himself diligent and worthy. In contrast, the one who possessed intrinsic virtue and was assisted by divine purpose, despite his father’s intentions, secured his blessing. Rebekah did not act independently but served as an instrument of God’s foreknowledge. Notice how all actions here demonstrate supreme grace. But you may ask if God ever supports such deception? Beloved, do not only examine the actions; consider the intention: it was not for earthly gain but rather out of a desire to obtain the Father’s blessing. Acknowledge that Jacob’s words may appear dishonest, but contemplate that God orchestrated the events to fulfill His divine will. To further illustrate how God facilitated this situation, observe how the righteous one could not see through the deceit; instead, he believed Jacob’s words and, having dined, rewarded him with a blessing. Esau did not return until the scheme was complete, revealing that all transpired according to God’s will.” (On Gen. Convers. 53). Jacob receiving the birthright while Esau forfeits it, as explained by St. Paul (Rom. 9), signifies the divine purpose to summon the Gentiles while rejecting the Jews. This divine mystery is echoed in the Savior's words: “I say unto you, that many from east and west shall come and lie down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven: but the sons of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness” (Matt. 8:11-12).