Rebekah’s Risk

Genesis 27:5–10 (NASB95) 

5Rebekah was listening while Isaac spoke to his son Esau. So when Esau went to the field to hunt for game to bring home, 6Rebekah said to her son Jacob, “Behold, I heard your father speak to your brother Esau, saying, 7‘Bring me some game and prepare a savory dish for me, that I may eat, and bless you in the presence of the Lord before my death.’ 8“Now therefore, my son, listen to me as I command you. 9“Go now to the flock and bring me two choice young goats from there, that I may prepare them as a savory dish for your father, such as he loves. 10“Then you shall bring it to your father, that he may eat, so that he may bless you before his death.” 

Rebekah listened as Isaac planned to bless Esau. She acted quickly by calling Jacob and giving him clear instructions. She told him to bring two young goats so she could prepare Isaac’s favorite meal. Her plan was for Jacob to take the food to Isaac and receive the blessing meant for Esau. Rebekah’s actions came from deep conviction. She favored Jacob, but she also remembered God’s word: the older would serve the younger. She believed God had chosen Jacob. Her intervention was bold and risky, and she took responsibility for the plan and its consequences. 

God’s sovereignty weaves through the story. Human choices, even flawed ones, do not derail His purpose. Rebekah’s plan was not perfect as it involved deception. Yet, God’s promise to Rebekah guided her actions. The blessing would pass to Jacob, as God had said. The narrative does not justify the deception, but it shows how God works through imperfect people. The tale echoes earlier struggles for birthright and blessing, such as Cain and Abel, as well as Isaac and Ishmael. It fits the larger pattern in Genesis: God’s plan advances through unexpected means and unlikely people. 

God’s people today must recognize the dangers of favoritism and division in families and communities. God’s purposes do not depend on perfect people or perfect plans. He works through our weaknesses and even our mistakes. The church should seek unity, honesty, and trust in God’s promises. When we face moral complexity, we must remember that God remains faithful. He brings His blessing through those who trust Him, even when the way is hard to understand. Let us value God’s calling, pursue peace and honesty in our relationships, and rest knowing our future is secure in God.