Genesis 27

33 Isaac began to tremble uncontrollably and said, "Then who was it that just served me wild game? I have already eaten it, and I blessed him with an irrevocable blessing before you came."

34 When Esau understood, he let out a loud and bitter cry. "O my father, bless me, too!" he begged.

35 But Isaac said, "Your brother was here, and he tricked me. He has carried away your blessing."

36 Esau said bitterly, "No wonder his name is Jacob,* for he has deceived me twice, first taking my birthright and now stealing my blessing. Oh, haven't you saved even one blessing for me?"¹

37 Isaac said to Esau, "I have made Jacob your master and have declared that all his brothers will be his servants. I have guaranteed him an abundance of grain and wine--what is there left to give?"

38 Esau pleaded, "Not one blessing left for me? O my father, bless me, too!" Then Esau broke down and wept.

39 His father, Isaac, said to him, "You will live off the land and what it yields,

40 and you will live by your sword. You will serve your brother for a time, but then you will shake loose from him and be free."

41 Esau hated Jacob because he had stolen his blessing, and he said to himself, "My father will soon be dead and gone. Then I will kill Jacob."

42 But someone got wind of what Esau was planning and reported it to Rebekah. She sent for Jacob and told him, "Esau is threatening to kill you.

43 This is what you should do. Flee to your uncle Laban in Haran.

44 Stay there with him until your brother's fury is spent.

45 When he forgets what you have done, I will send for you. Why should I lose both of you in one day?"

46 Then Rebekah said to Isaac, "I'm sick and tired of these local Hittite women. I'd rather die than see Jacob marry one of them."

Read Genesis 28

1: Jacob means “he grasps the heel”; this can also figuratively mean “he deceives.”

^{New Living Translation Bible and Notes used with permission Tyndale House Publishers.}