Genesis 27:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Beloved, take note of the unfathomable wisdom of God, as the Father gives this directive to Esau, showcasing natural affection. The Lord, in His wisdom and skill, through Rebekah, orchestrates the realization of His divine foreknowledge, teaching us the profound strength found in virtue and graciousness. The one who believed he had an advantage by birth and favored status was abruptly stripped of everything for failing to act rightly. Meanwhile, the one who embodies righteousness within and is motivated by divine support receives his father's blessing, perhaps against the Father’s desires. No one is more powerful than he who is upheld by the Almighty! Pay close attention, so you may understand the wondrous workings of God—how one, aided from above, prevails in receiving the blessings of his father, while the other forfeits all due to his moral decay.

These were the words his father relayed to Esau. He then departed the household and undertook his task with determination, promptly preparing for the journey ahead. We assert that, publicly and to those who are called in faith through Christ, the Lord and Father instructed Israel to endeavor to present what might be seen as a magnificent offering, akin to the fruits of righteous behavior and the rewards of virtuous deeds—a manner of life that was pleasing to Him. This was initially outlined for the ancients within the confines of lawful living, which was often obscured by symbolic representations, resembling a dense forest that conceals deeper truths. However, it is not elusive to those who seek to understand it through spiritual and precise discernment.

Rebekah, symbolizing the Church, foresaw that the forthcoming events would be realized through her youngest son. She instructed him, “Go to the flock and retrieve for me two young and healthy goats.” Esau was sent into the fields, representing a seeker in this world, while Jacob was directed to the flock, fulfilling the Lord’s declaration: “I am sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24). Her directive to gather “two young and good goats” signifies two identities brought forth by the Gospel: initially, we were “goats” as we all fell short of the glory of God; through obedience, we emerge as “young and good,” justified by faith in Christ. Thus, we are no longer labeled as condemned “goats,” but transformed into a flock that offers a “pleasing aroma” (Gen.

When the latter hesitated, Rebekah favored the younger. As the Jewish people pursued righteous deeds through external means, the mother of grace instructed the Gentiles to offer their noble actions to the Almighty Father, which led to the blessing of the elder. He brought forth this offering from domestic creatures; for the pagan nations, unwilling to win God's favor through outward offerings, declared, “In me, O God of prayer, I will offer Thy praise” (Psalm 55:13).

As Esau departed for the field, she recalled God's revelation to her prior to the birth of her children, where it was declared that the older would serve the younger. She chose not to share this revelation with Isaac, guarding the divine secret within her heart.

The cunning that Rebekah employed to prevent Jacob from receiving the blessing intended for Esau is not commendable. While her intention was noble, as the birthright she sought through deceit was indeed meant for Jacob by God's design before his arrival, and it had been willingly relinquished by Esau, Jacob's virtues warranted his preference. Unlike Esau, Jacob demonstrated piety and humility. Thus, Rebekah’s desire for Jacob to receive the blessing, rather than the unworthy Esau, was justified; however, her use of unethical means to achieve a righteous goal was misguided.