Genesis 27:30-46- Esau's Antiblessing

Colton Yarbro

Genesis • Sermon • Submitted 2 years ago

The Blessing of Jacob

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A look at the curse of Esau compared to the blessing of Jacob.

Notes

Transcript

Introduction

The dichotomy of good vs evil is something I enjoy in stories. I like the clear cut lines separating the protagonist from the antagonists. Of course no one is truly “good” in their character, and I appreciate the way certain story tellers reveal the flaws of the “good guys”.

But when we approach the Bible, we must be careful to understand that the lines are quite blurred. Esau is not a good guy, but neither is Jacob. So as we examine this last half of the narrative in Genesis 27, remember that God alone is the “good” of scripture. Apart from him, their would be no other.

The Providence of God

The providence of God is seen in the fact that he did not permit Esau to catch Jacob in the act.

God does things in such a way that he will be glorified most. That is his main aim in all that he does, even in allowing Jacob to deceive Isaac.

God is for God, above all else.

App: The truth of this doctrine is not popular in much of mainstream christianity and mega-churches, but it is true.

App: If God is ultimately for God, then all of our vain pursuits to glorify ourselves are wrong.

Jacob was out for himself, just as Esau was, but their desire to make much of themselves ended with God being glorified, despite their best efforts.

We should learn from them and actively seek to make much of God because 1.) that is what he has commanded and 2.) he will be glorified anyway.

App: Recall from last section that the providence of God does not excuse sin, but rather gives purpose to all things.

The Anti-Blessing

Isaac’s trembling reveals his realization that he has been duped.

“Who was it then” is a silly question (maybe rhetorical) because Isaac already knew (27:22).

Esau’s bitter cry (Hebrews 12:14-17)

App: Why is Esau compared to someone who is sexually immoral and unholy?

Indulgence in the desire of the flesh

Instant Gratification

Casting everything else aside in order to do what feels good to him (Hedonism).

Esau is begging for any sort of blessing.

It seems odd that Jacob could not also bless Esau, which is what he asked for. We do not understand this well in our culture, as inheritance is usually divided equally amongst our children.

“Is he not rightly named Jacob?” is referring to the wordplay of a similar word which means to deceive and cheat. (He cheated me two times)

App: Esau’s birthright was not deceitfully taken from him, but rather he freely sold it to gratify his flesh.

We must learn from this not to play the blame game with everything that happens to us.

You must be able to see the sin that you are responsible for, in order to repent of it.

The Anti-Blessing

The opposite of Jacob’s blessing in almost every way.

Away from the fatness of the earth and the dew of heaven, service to Jacob, and violence.

The only thing that doesn’t make this a curse is the last part, “you shall break his yoke from your neck.”

The nation of Edom would one day be established east of the Jordan River.

The Plot and The Escape

Esau hated Jacob (Big surprise).

His plan was to kill him after Isaac died.

Observation: Ironically, the anti-blessing Esau received assured us he would act this way (by the sword you shall live) and the blessing Jacob received assured that Esau would not succeed.

Rebekah loathes her life because of the Hittite women.

This is not a mere excuse to send Jacob away, but the truth (26:34-35)

Jacob is not ment to marry the people among them.

If both Jacob and Esau had Hittite wives, the heritage of the Lord and the many things that had happened since Abraham would be clouded by idolatry.

Closing

Genesis 27:13 Return to Rebekah saying “may your curse be upon me my son”

App: Rebekah could not take a curse from Jacob any more than Isaac could have taken back the blessing.

This points us ahead to the one who can take away the curse of sin, Christ Jesus our Lord.

Only one can bear the curse, and it is through this mess with Jacob and Esau that God would bring him about.

You cannot do this work for yourself or for your children. You are not the savior, so stop trying to be.

Close with Heidelberg Catechism Question 1.

Q. What is your only comfort in life and in death?

A. That I am not my own, but belong—

body and soul, in life and in death—

to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.

He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.

Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.