Jacob Steals Esau’s Blessing
A long time ago, there were twin brothers named Esau and Jacob. Even though they were twins, Esau was the older brother. He was strong, hairy, and loved to hunt. Jacob, on the other hand, liked to stay at home and cook.
Their father, Isaac, was very old and could not see well. He loved Esau the most because Esau brought him tasty food from his hunting trips. But their mother, Rebekah, loved Jacob the most.
A Special Blessing
In those days, a father would give a special blessing to the oldest son before he died. This blessing was very important because it gave the son good things like wealth, power, and leadership over the family.
Isaac told Esau, “Go hunt some wild animals and make me my favorite meal. After I eat, I will give you my blessing.”
Esau left right away to go hunting.
Rebekah’s Plan
Rebekah overheard Isaac talking to Esau. She wanted Jacob to get the blessing instead of Esau.
She quickly called Jacob and said, “Go get two goats from the flock. I’ll make a tasty meal for your father, just the way he likes it. Then you can pretend to be Esau and get the blessing.”
Jacob was nervous. “But Esau is hairy, and I’m not! What if Father touches me and knows I’m lying?”
Rebekah replied, “Don’t worry. Let me handle everything.”
The Trick
Rebekah made the meal and put goat skins on Jacob’s arms and neck so he would feel hairy like Esau. She also dressed him in Esau’s clothes so he would smell like his brother.
Jacob took the food to Isaac and said, “Father, it’s me, Esau. I’ve brought you your meal. Please bless me.”
Isaac was suspicious. “You sound like Jacob. Come closer so I can feel you.”
When Isaac touched Jacob’s arms, they felt hairy like Esau’s. He smelled the clothes and believed it was really Esau.
The Blessing
Isaac ate the meal and then gave Jacob the special blessing meant for Esau. He said,
“May God give you riches and blessings. May nations serve you, and may you rule over your brothers.”
Jacob received the blessing and left.
Esau’s Anger
Soon after, Esau came back with the meal he had prepared. “Father, I’m here! Please bless me!”
Isaac was shocked. “Who are you? I already gave the blessing to someone else!”
Esau cried, “It was Jacob! He tricked you and stole my blessing. Bless me too, Father!”
But Isaac said, “I have already given Jacob the blessing, and I cannot take it back.”
Esau was very angry and planned to hurt Jacob.
Jacob Runs Away
Rebekah heard about Esau’s plan and told Jacob, “You must leave and go stay with my brother far away until Esau calms down.”
Jacob listened to his mother and ran away. Even though Jacob had tricked his father, God had a plan for him.
Lesson
This story reminds us that lying and tricking others can lead to big problems. Even though God had a plan for Jacob, his actions hurt his family. God wants us to be honest and trust Him to take care of us instead of trying to get things the wrong way.