Messy Scriptures #4 : Genesis 27

Genesis 27

Here we find Jacob lying to his father Isaac about his identity. Clearly it is Rebekah’s idea. She eavesdrops on Esau and Isaac’s conversation and comes up with a plan.

Look at how far they go with the plan. She prepares the meal and covers Jacob’s smooth skin with goatskins. She dresses Isaac in Esau’s clothing. Jacob lies to his father three times, each time asserting to his blind, questioning father that he is Esau.

Three times he lies. Three times! Isn’t this troubling? This is far from commendable behavior! Children shouldn’t lie to their parents! Parents shouldn’t scheme with their children against one another! A parent should never cause their child to lie! Talk about a dysfunctional family!

What are we to make of this?

You’d expect, according to common Christian theology that God would work against injustice, side with the victimized, and seek to right this wrong. You’d think he would discipline the liars, the deceivers, the schemers.

But he doesn’t. When God finally says something in chapter 28, he does not speak condemnation against Rebekah or Jacob. He does not seek to consol Esau or Isaac. He sides with Jacob and Rebekah. “…the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring; and your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and all the families of the earth shall be blessed in you and in your offspring. Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go…”

Isaac’s blessing of Jacob is ratified by God! God doesn’t even hint at the idea that the means in which the blessing was attained was wrong, evil, or deceitful!

Rebekah has accomplished God’s will, right? In Genesis 25:23 The Lord told Rebekah, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples born of you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the elder shall serve the younger.” Rebekah was justified in her mind to deceive Isaac. But was it justified before God?