Genesis 27:40, commentary and pictures

Genesis 27:40 is part of Isaac's blessing to Esau, given in the account of Jacob's deception in obtaining the birthright blessing. A father's blessing and the privileges of the firstborn could not by themselves secure God's favor. Esau's prosperity depended on whether he loved and revered God, and Jacob could still be blessed by God without those privileges if he lived righteously. Esau's anger over the blessing intended for him caused Jacob to flee for his life. Years later Jacob returned to his native country fearing Esau's revenge, while facing him with an unarmed and defenseless family.

Jacob had to repent of his fraud in obtaining the blessing, and God heard his prayer and mercifully preserved his life. His experience shows that in the time of trouble God's people can plead for deliverance with confidence when their sins have been confessed and forgiven. Unconfessed sins would overwhelm them and cut off their faith. Sins already brought to judgment and blotted out cannot be recalled against them as concealed wrongs.

The deception in the chapter was marked by partiality, hypocrisy, and secret working that is open to God's sight. The same deception is practiced by men in high places of trust who treat people as machinery, bind their freedom by methods and terms, harness and drive them, and rule as lords over God's heritage. They pervert right principles through selfishness and covetousness. God never justifies turning a person from his rights or grasping all that can be gotten by deceptive reasoning without regard for agreements and for the disappointment and wrong done to others. Christ's teachings to ancient Israel must be investigated to expose and correct such a course.