Scene 1 v1-4 Isaac prepares to bless Esau

Blessing bestows physical property and tribal leadership. Isaac will follow social norms and bless his eldest son – however, normally done in a gathering of whole family – so Deception 1 – Isaac keeps arrangements private and attempts to thwart God’s plan (25:23)

Scene 2 v5-17 Rebekah schemes for Jacob

Rebekah overhears – is this sneaky? or social norm where women are confined to inner tent and not consulted? As Issac seeks to subvert God’s plan, Rebekah sees a way to keep that plan, “the younger shall serve the older” on track – but it also involves deception! Are these the ploys that vulnerable powerless people have to use?

In addition – is she righting Isaac’s failure to provide a suitable endogamous marriage for Esau?

“Obey my word” –  Mother’s boy? Tied to apron strings? Resolute? resourceful? 

Jacob fears discovery and the power of a curse – Rebekah, self-sacrificial? courageous? reassuring? practical. 

Scene 3 v18-25 Jacob deceives Isaac

Tension – uncertainty – suspicion – hearing – touch – smell – deception 2

Blessing – land, abundance, leadership, curse, blessing, 

Scene 4 v 30-40 Isaac & Esau grief 

Esau arrives too late, and Isaac realises the moment he is offered more food – no doubts for either about who has deceived them. 

Esau begs a blessing – but the original can not be taken back – he is to live away from earth’s riches, serve his brother, and throw off his yoke. 

Scene 5 41- 48 Rebekah: Protector of the Blessing

Rebekah overhears Esau platting to kill and Jacob. 

Instructs Jacob – advises Isaac – reassures Jacob – circumvents Esau. 

they will never meet again.

“Rebekah is truly a remarkable women. Having shown that in leaving her country and her kin her trust was equal to that of Abraham, she now challenges social mores in order to ensure that God’s plan will be accomplished, and she does this more than once. In violation of hierarchical standing in the family, she manoeuvres her second-born son into the position of privilege, thus demonstrating that social customs can sometimes be a hindrance to the working of God in the lives of women and men. Although ordinarily the primary man in the household arranges marriages, it is Rebekah who steps forward to do so on behalf of her new blessed son. She also saves the lineage determined by God by preventing the violent death of this son.” Bergant p115