The Aftermath of Deception
Genesis 27:41–46 (NASB95)
41So Esau bore a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him; and Esau said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” 42Now when the words of her elder son Esau were reported to Rebekah, she sent and called her younger son Jacob, and said to him, “Behold your brother Esau is consoling himself concerning you by planning to kill you. 43“Now therefore, my son, obey my voice, and arise, flee to Haran, to my brother Laban! 44“Stay with him a few days, until your brother’s fury subsides, 45until your brother’s anger against you subsides and he forgets what you did to him. Then I will send and get you from there. Why should I be bereaved of you both in one day?” 46Rebekah said to Isaac, “I am tired of living because of the daughters of Heth; if Jacob takes a wife from the daughters of Heth, like these, from the daughters of the land, what good will my life be to me?”
Esau’s anger burned after Jacob received the blessing he believed was his. He held a grudge and planned to kill Jacob once their father, Isaac, died. Esau’s words reveal the depth of his pain and the seriousness of the family’s brokenness. Rebekah learned of Esau’s plan and acted quickly. She called Jacob and urged him to flee to her brother Laban in Haran. She hoped that time would cool Esau’s rage and that Jacob could return safely. Rebekah’s words show her fear of losing both sons in a single day. She also expressed her distress over the possibility of Jacob marrying a Hittite woman, which would threaten the covenant line.
The story reaches a crisis point. Years of favoritism, rivalry, and deception have led to open hostility and separation. Esau’s hatred is a natural response to his felt betrayal and the results of his lack of respect for spiritual blessings (a repeat of Cain and Abel). But it also shows the danger of letting anger rule the heart. Rebekah’s plan to send Jacob away is both protective and desperate. She tries to keep the covenant promise, but her actions also highlight the cost of relying on human schemes rather than trust and honesty. The family’s pain is real. Jacob must leave home. Rebekah faces the loss of her favored son, and Isaac is left with a fractured household.
The pattern of conflict and exile repeats throughout the patriarchal stories. Yet, God remains faithful. He works through broken people and difficult situations to accomplish His will. The story warns against the destructive power of unresolved anger and the temptation to manipulate outcomes. It also reminds us that God’s blessing is not earned by perfect families or flawless plans.
The story of Esau and Jacob shows how the OT points to Jesus. Jacob, even as the younger son, is chosen by God to receive the blessing, overturning human expectations and traditions. Esau reacts with hatred and a desire to kill Jacob, which leads Jacob to withdraw and live in exile for a while. Similarly, Jesus is God's chosen one. He comes and challenges the expectations and traditions of men in ways that threaten the authority of the religious leaders. The religious leaders reject Him and plot to kill Him. Jesus often retreats from danger during His ministry, not because He's defeated, but because He's following the Father's timing. Both stories demonstrate that God's chosen ones often face rejection from those who should recognize them, yet God's plan continues to move forward even during periods of withdrawal.
The modern church can learn from this story. When conflict and hurt arise, believers must seek reconciliation, not revenge. Anger and bitterness destroy relationships and hinder God’s work. God calls His people to honesty, forgiveness, and trust in His sovereignty. Even when families struggle, God’s grace can bring healing and hope. The church should model integrity, pursue peace, and trust that God is working despite human failure.