Genesis 27:39Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When the Lord promises something, even if we initially witness circumstances that seem contradictory, we should remain untroubled, for it is assured that God's promises will be entirely fulfilled. Thus, the righteous are increasingly glorified, demonstrating the immense power of God at work within them. This can be observed in the lives of every virtuous individual if one examines their stories closely, as it is true today. Do not focus solely on Jacob's immediate flight; instead, contemplate the glory he achieved later. After some time, this very brother who once frightened him honored him greatly. Despite the hardships faced in a foreign land, he achieved such prominence that his lineage grew into an innumerable multitude, giving rise to a entire nation named after him.

In summarizing what has been recounted at length in the narrative, I aim to draw the reader's focus to its deeper significance. I find it essential to apply a spiritual lens to what has been outwardly realized. We must also acknowledge another blessing bestowed upon the firstborn, representing Israel, of whom Esau is a symbol. "From the rich soil of the earth shall your home be, and from the dew of heaven above; you shall live by your sword and serve your brother, yet there will come a time when you will break free and throw off his yoke from your neck" (Gen. 27:39-40).

For Israel received a blessing—the law given through Moses (John 1:17). This was the Word of Christ, delivered with the help of angels (Galatians 3:19). The assurance that Christ spoke to the ancients is found in the words of the wise Paul: "God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son" (Hebrews 1:1-2). The Savior confirmed that the law comprises His own teachings, stating, "For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away" (Matthew 5:18; Matthew 24:35; cf. Luke 21:33; Mark 13:31).

Therefore, if the law is indeed the Word of Christ and was given through angels, it stands as a blessing to Israel. We can understand Christ as both the dew from heaven and the richness of the earth. Just as the heavenly beings delight in the spiritual dew that descends, the fertile earth rejoices in the heavenly rains that yield spiritual fruits. Those of us who believe in Christ have been nourished with spiritual bread and wine. However, Israel does not partake in these blessings, for they relate to the gifts granted to them. Furthermore, in a different sense, the unrighteous Jews cannot partake in the sacramental blessing, as it is not meant for the service of the law but rather is more aptly observed by the nations that are in Christ through faith.

Is this not akin to what occurs within the Church today? When wicked individuals are allowed to disturb the life of the Church for the sake of maintaining peace, they are permitted to partake in the sacraments meant for the faithful. Often, it is known that they act immorally, but circumstances may prevent their removal from office, their demotion, exclusion, or excommunication. Insisting on complaints may lead to turmoil within the Church. Thus, the leader of the Church may find himself saying, “Behold, you partake from the bounty of the earth and the dew from heaven above. You consume and drink in condemnation. For whoever eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment upon himself, not discerning the body of the Lord (1 Cor. 11:29). You are granted access to the sacraments for the sake of the Church's peace; yet what resides in your heart fosters division. Therefore, you shall live by your sword. Those who partake from the bounty of the earth and the dew from above will find no fulfillment in it; the Lord is not sweet to you (Psalm 134:3). If you truly delighted in it and found the Lord sweet, you would emulate the humility of the Lord rather than the arrogance of the adversary.”

Regardless of the amount one receives from the fullness of the earth and the dew from above, pride often persists, leading to strife and discord—may I steer clear of such behavior! Thus, "No matter how much you engage in the communion from the bounty of the earth and the dew from above, you continue to live by your sword, deriving joy and fear from conflict. Therefore, transform yourself—cast off the yoke that burdens you!"

Nevertheless, the region designated for your descendants will still be fruitful; it is one of those lands blessed by heavenly dew and fertile soil.” This land pertains to Idumea, stretching southward from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Elanit. Although it is rugged and stony, the mountain slopes and valleys, particularly those to the east, are noted by travelers to be rich in vegetation and moisture. However, the agricultural productivity of Idumea is limited in relation to its population, prompting the descendants of Esau to find their livelihood not solely through farming but through various other trades. Isaac’s prophecy foretold that the Idumeans would not engage in noble professions but would procure their sustenance through warfare and raiding neighbors, as well as through robbing travelers: “By your sword you shall live.” This reflects the lifestyle of the Bedouins who currently inhabit the region once known as Idumea and who are partially descended from these ancient peoples. “And you shall serve your brother. Yet the day will come when you shall break his yoke from your neck.” Initially, Esau’s lineage was stronger and more populous than Jacob’s when Jacob returned from Mesopotamia (Gen. 32:11, Gen. 33:15), and the Idumeans had established leaders and kings prior to Israel (Gen. 36). However, they were ultimately defeated by Saul (1 Sam. 14:47), subjugated by David (2 Sam. 8:14), and remained under the authority of the Jews until Joram. During the reign of Amaziah, they found themselves once again subjugated (4 Sam. 8:21, 4 Sam. 14:7). Under Ahaz, they were again diminished (1 Kings 16:6, 2 Chron. 28:16), and 129 years before the Common Era, they were subjugated once more by John Hyrcanus, who even forced them to accept circumcision (Jos. Flav.). Hence, the history of the Idumeans, subjected by the descendants of Jacob and later breaking free from that dominance, serves as a testament to the precise fulfillment of Isaac’s prophecy regarding them.