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Deeper Roots – Genesis 27:41-46

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May 18, 2022

A humbled and open heart is fertile soil for God’s seeds of wisdom. Establishing deeper roots requires analyzing God’s word to discover truths, values, and lessons for application to our lives. Periodically, a scripture or passage calls for further exploration, like Genesis 27:41-46.

41 From that time on, Esau hated Jacob because their father had given Jacob the blessing. And Esau began to scheme: “I will soon be mourning my father’s death. Then I will kill my brother, Jacob.”

42 But Rebekah heard about Esau’s plans. So she sent for Jacob and told him, “Listen, Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you. 43 So listen carefully, my son. Get ready and flee to my brother, Laban, in Haran. 44 Stay there with him until your brother cools off. 45 When he calms down and forgets what you have done to him, I will send for you to come back. Why should I lose both of you in one day?”

46 Then Rebekah said to Isaac, “I’m sick and tired of these local Hittite women! I would rather die than see Jacob marry one of them.”

Genesis 27:41-46 NLT

Our Deeper Roots passage in Genesis shows that God can overrule mistakes to fulfill His plan, but His judgement still remains. Our scripture selection begins after Jacob and his mother, Rebekah, have tricked Isaac into blessing Jacob instead of Esau. Esau and Isaac have both realized the deception and Esau is devastated. Esau has a grudge and has a plan to kill Jacob after Isaac’s death. Rebekah finds out about her son, Esau’s plan, and let’s Jacob know. They devise a plan for Jacob to go to Haran with Rebekah’s brother, Laban. Rebekah didn’t want to lose both of her sons. So Rebekah sets up Jacob’s escape by telling Isaac that Jacob needs to find a non-Hittite wife.

Isaac, Rebekah, Esau, and Jacob had a role in this series of unfortunate missteps. Isaac and Rebekah played favorites. When it was time to bestow the blessing on his deathbed, Isaac only called Esau. Tradition called for notifying all of the sons, but Isaac left Jacob out. Rebekah schemed to create a plan for Jacob, her favorite, to receive a blessing. She helped cook and disguise Jacob so that he would be able to trick Isaac, who’s eyes were failing. Esau showed contempt for his role as the oldest son and their faith; he traded his birthrights for Jacob’s stew and married two wives (Canaanites). Jacob exploited, his father, Isaac’s blindness and intercepted the blessing intended for Esau. Despite the underhandedness of each of these actions, God’s plan was still at work. Yet, their actions are not without punishment.

This passage shows the wisdom of the Lord’s mercy and judgment. Rebekah may have obtained a blessing for her beloved son, Jacob, but there is no indication that she ever saw him again. Esau and his descendants (Edomites) fulfilled the verses that they would be nomadic people of the dry wilderness (verses 39 and 40). And finally, Jacob made his way to Haran where he was met with exploitation at the hands of his uncle Laban. In his old age, Jacob was tricked by his sons about the death of Joseph. There are parallels to judgement for their actions. Yet, Romans 8:28 held true, “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” God can use our mistakes to still carry forth His will. We may have to deal with judgement, but it will all end up for the good.

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