Send us a text

📘 Genesis 27 – The Covenant Redirected Through Jacob

(Part 27 in the “God Keeping Covenant” Series)

Genesis 27 records the moment when the Abrahamic blessing — the covenant blessing — passes from Isaac to Jacob.

This chapter reveals:

• Isaac’s human intention
• Rebekah’s spiritual insight
• Jacob’s struggle
• Esau’s anger
• God’s sovereign choice

Even though the family is divided and motives are mixed, God’s covenant plan is fulfilled exactly as He promised in Genesis 25:23:

“The elder shall serve the younger.”

Theme: God keeps covenant even through flawed people, family conflict, and unexpected circumstances. His purpose overrides human plans.

Genesis 27:1–4 — Isaac Plans to Bless Esau Privately

Isaac is old and blind.
He calls Esau secretly and says:

“Prepare me savory meat… that I may bless you before I die.”

Isaac knows the prophecy, yet he still prefers Esau — a picture of choosing flesh over spirit.

Covenant Lesson:

When covenant leaders let personal preference override God’s word, problems follow.

Illustration:

A pastor choosing leaders based on personality instead of spiritual calling.

Genesis 27:5–10 — Rebekah Overhears and Acts Quickly

Rebekah knows God’s prophetic word.
She tells Jacob:

“Obey my voice.”

Covenant Lesson:

Sometimes the person most sensitive to God’s voice is not the one in charge.

Illustration:

A praying mother seeing spiritual danger long before her husband notices.

Genesis 27:11–17 — The Plan, the Clothes, and the Goat Skins

Jacob hesitates because Esau is hairy and he is smooth.
Rebekah covers Jacob with goat skins and Esau’s clothes.

Covenant Lesson:

Jacob receives the blessing disguised as Esau — a prophetic picture of grace.

We receive the Father’s blessing wrapped in the identity of Another—Jesus Christ.

Genesis 27:18–20 — Jacob Lies to Isaac

Isaac senses something is wrong.
Jacob lies three times.

Covenant Lesson:

God’s purpose is not based on human perfection; but deception always brings later consequences.

Genesis 27:21–27 — Isaac Discerns by Senses but Not by Spirit

Isaac:

• feels Jacob → “The hands are Esau’s”
• hears Jacob → “The voice is Jacob’s”

Yet he still blesses Jacob.

Covenant Lesson:

When spiritual discernment is low, people make decisions based on feelings instead of faith.

Genesis 27:27–29 — The Covenant Blessing Given to Jacob

The blessing includes:

• Dominion
• Prosperity
• Nations bowing
• Protection
• Those who bless you will be blessed
• Those who curse you will be cursed

This is the Abrahamic covenant transferred.

Covenant Lesson:

Once spoken, covenant blessing cannot be revoked.

Genesis 27:30–40 — Esau Returns & Cries Bitterly

Esau weeps:

“Bless me, even me also, O my father!”

But Isaac explains — the covenant blessing has already been given away.

Esau’s portion includes:

• temporary prosperity
• conflict
• eventual freedom

Covenant Lesson:

Those who despise their birthright eventually regret it.

Illustration:

People who trade spiritual inheritance for temporary pleasure later discover the emptiness of the exchange.

Genesis 27:41–45 — Esau Plans to Kill Jacob

Support the show