Genesis 27:5-6, &c. And Rebekah, &c.— Rebekah, acquainted with the Divine will concerning the channel in which the grand promise was to pass, resolved to do her part towards preventing the ill effects of Isaac's partial fondness for an eldest son, who had already indicated so unworthy a disposition. To which end she incites her son Jacob to an act of deceit, endeavouring to absolve him from all guilt or blame, if he consent: Upon me be thy curse, my son, Genesis 27:13.; as much as to say, I will warrant thee success, and will readily bear all the evil, if any happen.
REFLECTIONS.—Infirmities of age were come upon Isaac; and therefore, as his time was likely to be short, he resolves,
1. To bestow on Esau, as first-born, the blessing of the promised land and seed; perhaps, not understanding the prophecy, or not attending to it through natural affection and the rights of primogeniture. Note; Man proposes, but God disposes.
2. He communicates his resolution to Esau, who was still it seems his favourite, though he had displeased him by marriage; and bids him shew one instance of his affection in procuring him some venison, that he might eat, and bless him before he died. Note; (1.) Though children marry imprudently, parents must not be inflexible in their resentments. (2.) When we grow old, it is time to think of dying. (3.) All worldly concerns should be dispatched before that time: it is then work enough to die.
But Rebekah overhearing the conversation between Isaac and Esau, resolves immediately to put Jacob in his place, a thing, in many respects, utterly unjustifiable. Had she pleaded with Isaac the Divine command, simplicity had probably prevailed, and Jacob, without a cheat, had got the blessing: yea, it must have prevailed, because the truth and promise of God were pledged. But now she contrives the plot, and will have Jacob execute it.