The Blessing and the Reversal

Genesis 27:26–29 (NASB95) 

26Then his father Isaac said to him, “Please come close and kiss me, my son.” 27So he came close and kissed him; and when he smelled the smell of his garments, he blessed him and said, “See, the smell of my son Is like the smell of a field which the Lord has blessed; 28Now may God give you of the dew of heaven, And of the fatness of the earth, And an abundance of grain and new wine; 29May peoples serve you, And nations bow down to you; Be master of your brothers, And may your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be those who curse you, And blessed be those who bless you.” 

Isaac’s blessing of Jacob stands as a turning point in the story of God’s people. Jacob, the younger son, receives the blessing meant for Esau, the firstborn. The words Isaac speaks promise abundance from heaven and earth, authority over nations, leadership within the family, and covenantal protection. These promises echo the blessings given to Abraham and Isaac, now passed to Jacob. The moment is filled with tension and irony. Isaac, guided by his senses, believes he is blessing Esau. Yet God’s purpose moves forward, even through human misunderstanding and family conflict. 

The Torah often overturns the traditions of men. In the ancient world, the firstborn son held the right to inherit leadership and blessing. Yet, throughout Genesis, God chooses the unlikely. Abel is favored over Cain. Isaac is chosen over Ishmael. Joseph rises above his older brothers. Here, Jacob receives the blessing over Esau. The pattern is clear. God’s plans do not follow human customs or expectations. He works through surprising choices to fulfill His promises. 

The Bible also establishes that merit matters more than birth order. Jacob, though flawed, values the blessing and pursues it with determination. Esau, in contrast, shows little regard for his spiritual inheritance. The story does not excuse Jacob’s deception, but it highlights his desire for God’s promise. The blessing goes to the one who seeks it, not simply to the one born first. This principle appears throughout Scripture. God values faith, persistence, and a heart that seeks Him above all else. 

For the modern church, these truths offer both challenge and hope. God’s ways often surprise us. He may call and use those whom the world overlooks. Spiritual hunger and commitment matter more than position or privilege. The church must remain open to God’s leading, even when it upends our expectations. We should encourage one another to seek God’s blessing with sincerity and faith. God’s promises are not limited by our traditions but by those who delight in His calling.