Genesis 27:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Why is it specified here: to the least? Earlier, it is stated, “he called his eldest son Esau”; this indicates the identity of Rebekah's current addressee, specifically referring to the least, meaning Jacob.

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Beloved, consider the unfathomable wisdom of God and how the father commands Esau, displaying natural affection, while the wise and skillful Lord, through Rebekah, orchestrates the fulfillment of His divine foreknowledge. This teaches us the immense power found in virtue and gentle disposition. The one who seemed to hold the advantage by birthright and paternal favor found himself unexpectedly stripped of everything due to his failure to act rightly.

Esau went to the fishing grounds. Upon hearing this, Rebekah advises Jacob to approach their father, so that Esau may not obtain the birthright, in line with God's declaration, ‘The elder shall serve the younger.’

Rebekah, embodying the church, had already anticipated that the impending events would unfold through her youngest son. She instructed him, “Go to the flock and bring me two young, good goats.” Esau is sent into the world as an outsider, while Jacob is directed to the flock, fulfilling the Word of the Lord: “I am sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24). Her command to take “two young, good goats” signifies two identities established through the Gospel.

When the latter was delayed, Rebekah appointed the younger; for when the Jewish people pursued righteousness through external acts, the mother of grace instructed the Gentile nations to offer to the heavenly Father the fruits of good deeds and received the blessing of the elder sibling. He brought forth this offering from domestic animals; because the pagan nations, choosing not to seek God's favor through outward sacrifices, echo the words of the Prophet: “In me, O God of prayer, I will offer Thy praise” (Psalm 55:13).

The scheme that Rebekah devised to prevent Jacob from receiving the blessing intended for Esau is not commendable, nor is deceitful behavior as a whole. The motive behind her actions was justified, as the birthright, which Jacob did not inherit by descent, had been divinely designated for him prior to his birth and was willingly relinquished by Esau. Additionally, Jacob’s virtues, such as his reverence for God and his humility, made him more deserving of the blessing than Esau. Thus, Rebekah’s intention to seek a blessing for Jacob instead of Esau was valid, given Esau's unworthiness. However, her choice to use dishonest means to achieve a rightful goal was misguided.