Genesis 27:30-41 It turns out to be a very close call as Jacob leaves his father's presence and Esau returns from the hunt. What is Scripture saying to us in recording this? When Isaac discovers he has been deceived by Jacob and given the blessing to Jacob instead of Esau, he begins trembling violently. What has upset Isaac so severely? Esau repeatedly in tears pleads with his father to bless him anyway. But each request is rebuffed with a more severe denial. Why? Hebrews 12 uses Esau's story as an illustration to us of a certain principle. What is it? How is what is at stake in Hebrews different from what is at stake in Genesis? What does it mean that Esau could find no room for repentance? (62 min)

Keywords Isaac, Jacob, Esau, Blessing

Genesis 27:18-29 An old blind father encounters the deceiving son. The picture is not a pretty one. Spiritual blind spots in our lives can have disastrous consequences. How is spiritual blindness different from other faults? How do we avoid spiritual blindness? The lies and deceptions roll off Jacob's tongue like water. By what sophistry does he justify such cold, calculated deception, especially of his father? All the parties in this event behave wrongly. So, what will the outcome be? We see a remarkable turn of events when Isaac prophesies the future, even the future of our salvation. (49 min.)

Keywords Isaac, Jacob, Blessing, Esau

Genesis 26:34-27:17 Returning to the story on the struggle between Esau and Jacob, we encounter the account of the stealing of the birthright from Esau. We find in this passage four different individuals who represent to us four ploys which Satan uses to counter God's spiritual purposes in our lives. Which one of these individuals am I most like? For what is the blindness of Isaac a metaphor? What were Rebekah's strength and weakness? What is wrong with Jacob's response to his mother's proposal. This was an urgent situation. What other options did Rebekah and Jacob have by which they may have prevented Isaac's impending blunder? (55 min)

Keywords Isaac, Rebekah, Esau, Jacob, Blessing, Birthright