NET Bible Text
27:41 So Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing his father had given to his brother. Esau said privately, “The time of mourning for my father is near; then I will kill my brother Jacob!” 27:42 When Rebekah heard what her older son Esau had said, she quickly summoned her younger son Jacob and told him, “Look, your brother Esau is planning to get revenge by killing you. 27:43 Now then, my son, do what I say. Run away immediately to my brother Laban in Haran. 27:44 Live with him for a little while until your brother’s rage subsides. 27:45 Stay there until your brother’s anger against you subsides and he forgets what you did to him. Then I’ll send someone to bring you back from there. Why should I lose both of you in one day?” 27:46 Then Rebekah said to Isaac, “I am deeply depressed because of these daughters of Heth. If Jacob were to marry one of these daughters of Heth who live in this land, I would want to die!” 28:1 So Isaac called for Jacob and blessed him. Then he commanded him, “You must not marry a Canaanite woman! 28:2 Leave immediately for Paddan Aram! Go to the house of Bethuel, your mother’s father, and find yourself a wife there, among the daughters of Laban, your mother’s brother. 28:3 May the sovereign God bless you! May he make you fruitful and give you a multitude of descendants! Then you will become a large nation. 28:4 May he give you and your descendants the blessing he gave to Abraham so that you may possess the land God gave to Abraham, the land where you have been living as a temporary resident.” 28:5 So Isaac sent Jacob on his way, and he went to Paddan Aram, to Laban son of Bethuel the Aramean and brother of Rebekah, the mother of Jacob and Esau. 28:6 Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob and sent him off to Paddan Aram to find a wife there. As he blessed him, Isaac commanded him, “You must not marry a Canaanite woman.” 28:7 Jacob obeyed his father and mother and left for Paddan Aram. 28:8 Then Esau realized that the Canaanite women were displeasing to his father Isaac. 28:9 So Esau went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Abraham’s son Ishmael, along with the wives he already had. Jacob’s Dream at Bethel
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible®, copyright ©1996, 2019 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
Simple Summary
Esau is angry and wants revenge, so Rebekah sends Jacob away to Haran. Isaac then formally blesses Jacob, commands him not to marry a Canaanite woman, and sends him to Paddan Aram with the covenant promises given to Abraham. Esau responds by taking a wife from Ishmael’s family. The passage shows the painful consequences of sin and the continuing line of God’s covenant purpose through Jacob.
What This Passage Means
This passage shows the painful results of Jacob’s deceit. Esau hates Jacob because of the blessing and plans to kill him. Rebekah hears of it and tells Jacob to flee to Laban in Haran until Esau’s anger cools. Isaac then calls Jacob, formally blesses him, and commands him not to marry a Canaanite woman. He sends Jacob to Paddan Aram and speaks over him the promises of fruitfulness, many descendants, a nation, and the land God gave to Abraham. Jacob obeys and leaves. Esau sees that Isaac was displeased with his Canaanite wives, so he takes another wife from Ishmael’s family. The passage does not celebrate Esau’s response. It keeps the focus on the damage sin has done and on God’s covenant purpose continuing through Jacob.
Important Truths
- Sin brings real consequences, including fear, division, and flight.
- Esau’s hatred is serious and leads to planned violence.
- Rebekah protects Jacob, but the family remains marked by distress and distrust.
- Isaac formally blesses and commissions Jacob with covenant promises.
- The Abrahamic promises of offspring, nation, and land continue through Jacob.
- Marriage choices matter in covenant life; Isaac forbids a Canaanite wife for Jacob.
- Jacob obeys his parents and leaves for Paddan Aram.
- Esau’s response is not presented as repentance.
Warnings, Promises, or Commands
- Warning: Esau plans to kill Jacob.
- Warning: Canaanite marriage is treated as displeasing in this covenant family.
- Command: Jacob must leave at once for Paddan Aram.
- Command: Jacob must not marry a Canaanite woman.
- Promise: God will bless Jacob and make him fruitful.
- Promise: Jacob will have many descendants and become a nation.
- Promise: Jacob’s offspring will receive the land promised to Abraham.
How This Fits in God’s Plan
God’s covenant purpose continues through Jacob even after human sin has fractured the family. This passage preserves the promised line and prepares for God’s later confirmation of those promises at Bethel. It shows that deception, hatred, and exile do not stop God’s plan.
Simple Application
Do not use this passage to excuse deception or family manipulation. Take sin seriously, because it damages homes and relationships. Trust God’s promises even when circumstances are broken. Honor his wisdom in marriage, family decisions, and obedience.
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