Toldot, Genesis chs. 25 to 28

The Book of Beginnings

"Toldot"
Genesis chs.25 to 28

Generations

Genesis: Toldot s.1,2

This weeks section is from Genesis 25;19 to Genesis 28;9
It is referred to in Hebrew as Toldot meaning generations which is a key word in the first verse of the section.
s.1
[Genesis 25:19] AND THESE ARE THE GENERATIONS OF ISAAC, ABRAHAM'S SON: ABRAHAM BEGAT ISAAC:

He gave rise to Isaac. The Commentators explain that Isaac looked exactly like Abraham and in his behavior he acted like him.
"ABRAHAM BEGAT ISAAC": Yehudah Kiel (Daat mikra) points out that Scripture emphasizes the direct connection between Abraham and Isaac whereas for Ishmael it says: ISHMAEL, ABRAHAM'S SON, WHOM HAGAR THE EGYPTIAN, SARAH'S HANDMAID, BARE UNTO ABRAHAM (Genesis 25:12). In the case of Ishmael the connection between Abraham and his offspring is indirect and goes through Hagar the Egyptian servant-girl. Scripture bears witness that in the eyes of the Almighty the "Only" real son of Abraham was Isaac.
"THY SON, THINE ONLY SON ISAAC" (Genesis 22:2).

[Genesis 25:20] AND ISAAC WAS FORTY YEARS OLD WHEN HE TOOK REBEKAH TO WIFE, THE DAUGHTER OF BETHUEL THE SYRIAN OF PADANARAM, THE SISTER TO LABAN THE SYRIAN.

Syrian in Hebrew is "Arami". The Hebrew Israelites were also sometimes referred to as "Arami". The Scythians (who came from part of the Ten Lost Tribes) had originally been known as "Arami" according to the Roman Geographer, Pliny.

[Genesis 25:21] AND ISAAC INTREATED THE LORD FOR HIS WIFE, BECAUSE SHE WAS BARREN: AND THE LORD WAS INTREATED OF HIM, AND REBEKAH HIS WIFE CONCEIVED.

Isaac prayed and his prayer was answered. Prayer is always heard and answered in some way or other but exactly how is not always immediately clear to us.

[Genesis 25:22] AND THE CHILDREN STRUGGLED TOGETHER WITHIN HER; AND SHE SAID, IF IT BE SO, WHY AM I THUS? AND SHE WENT TO ENQUIRE OF THE LORD.

[Genesis 25:23] AND THE LORD SAID UNTO HER, TWO NATIONS ARE IN THY WOMB, AND TWO MANNER OF PEOPLE SHALL BE SEPARATED FROM THY BOWELS; AND THE ONE PEOPLE SHALL BE STRONGER THAN THE OTHER PEOPLE; AND THE ELDER SHALL SERVE THE YOUNGER.

One would be stronger than the other; one would serve the other.
The two were Jacob and Esau.
It has become fashionable to identify Esau with the Turks. Craig White has written a very interesting booklet on this subject.
One point that other authorities never mentioned but Yair Davidiy stumbled across is that: Esau was described as hairy and one historian remarked that the Turks are one of the hairiest peoples in the world.
Even so, I am not convinced. The evidence is insufficient and even flimsy.
The Turks can be extremely cruel, sadistic, and treacherous but
on the whole they are not Edomites. Edom is in Europe.
Rabbinical sources identified Esau with the Romans and Germans and with European rulers in general. See what we wrote on this subject in our work "Ephraim".
Esau became several nations and also from Esau emerged the rulers of many nations. The ruling class of Japan may well come from Esau as well as perhaps including a minority of Israelite origin.
Esau also gave rise to the small nation known as Edom. The Edomites were enslaved by Judah and forced to accept Judaism in part. Many of the early Jewish Christians came from Edom. Some segments of Edom probably remained amongst the Jews while others merged amongst European gentiles. Edom is usually regarded as the arch-enemy of Israel though one source says that Edom is destined to repent.
Brit-Am says that Britain (and after Britain America) became dominated by descendants of Israel but an Edomite element could also be present. One of the deities of the Western Celts was Essus which is another name for Esau.
We discussed this issue in our work "Ephraim".
The British upper-classes love hunting and Esau was a hunter. Esau is not always necessarily negative. In Jewish tradition a distinction is made between Amalek who descends from Edom and is the arch-enemy of Israel and between Edom proper. Edom as mentioned according to one source will return and repent. The Talmud says that, No war can be won without the participation of Edom. There may be something in this. General Patton in the Second World War in some ways appears to have been quite an obnoxious person but his generalmanship helped the allies win the war. Sonny Liston was a world champion boxer. He was once criticized for the company he kept. He replied: Not many archbishops take up boxing.
Taking all these sources together and taking the above verse (Genesis 25:23) into consideration and other Biblical passages I would suggest the following:
The potential enemies of the Israelite nations are headed or heavily influenced by Edomite elements within them.
Israel (the Ten Tribes) and Judah (the Jews) also contain elements from Edom but these are subservient. When we do the will of God they serve us for the good of us all. When we rebel against God their influence tends to prevail against us and against everybody.
Another point is that Joseph is destined to be the counter to Esau but also in many ways parallels him.

THE ELDER SHALL SERVE THE YOUNGER: In Hebrew "Rav [the elder] ya-avod [shall serve] Tsair [the younger]" BUT (as pointed out by several Commentators quoted by Yehudah Kiel) it could ALSO be understood to say "Rav [the elder] ya-avod [shall be served by] Tsair [the younger]". This is because the needed definitive element "et" is not found in the sentence before the word "Tsair" [the younger]. ["et" has no equivalent in English but with the Hebrew conjunction "ve" (we) it forms "ve-et" (pronounced in Ancient Times as "we-eth") which gave rise to the English word "with"].
Anyway the Commentators said that both interpretations are correct and refer to different periods and different situations. If Israel merits and fulfills its destined tasks Israel will rule over others. If Israel does not do as it should it is liable to be ruled over. This is not necessarily morality but rather reality.

[Genesis 25:24] AND WHEN HER DAYS TO BE DELIVERED WERE FULFILLED, BEHOLD, THERE WERE TWINS IN HER WOMB.

[Genesis 25:25] AND THE FIRST CAME OUT RED, ALL OVER LIKE AN HAIRY GARMENT; AND THEY CALLED HIS NAME ESAU.

He was reddish (Admoni) and so was King David (1-Samuel 16:12, 17;42). They both had the warrior quality of bloodshed but David directed this quality to the service of God.
Perhaps there is also an Edomite element amongst the Russians? The name "Rus" can mean Red in some European dialects. The Communists (who Russia led) were called Red and red was a symbol of Soviet Russia. There is a common suffix "-usov" in Russian surnames. This sounds similar to the Hebrew pronunciation of Esau. On the other hand Red is also the color of Britain and of British officialdom, e.g. red tape, red postboxes, red buses. The British Empire was traditionally represented on world maps by the color red.

[Genesis 25:26] AND AFTER THAT CAME HIS BROTHER OUT, AND HIS HAND TOOK HOLD ON ESAU'S HEEL; AND HIS NAME WAS CALLED JACOB: AND ISAAC WAS THREESCORE YEARS OLD WHEN SHE BARE THEM.

JACOB: Connected to the root "akeb" meaning heel also connoting overtaking and trickery. In American slang a "heel" is "a worthless or dishonest man". Jacob did have a trickery side to his character despite being described as a "plain man". England is referred to as "Perfidious Albion". "Perfidious" means "breaking trust, treacherous". The name Jacob is often shorted to Jack. The French are sometimes nicknamed "Jacques". The Scots are nicknamed "Jocks" (Jacks), and the Americans are called "Yanks" (a form of Jack) while the flag of Britain is known as the "Union Jack". Another connotation of the name Jacob is Humility and Consequence.
TOOK HOLD ON ESAU'S HEEL he was holding him up; preventing him from taking over.

[Genesis 25:27] AND THE BOYS GREW: AND ESAU WAS A CUNNING HUNTER, A MAN OF THE FIELD; AND JACOB WAS A PLAIN MAN, DWELLING IN TENTS.

Esau was more of the he-man type in our way of thinking. Orde Wingate was a British officer who helped train Jewish settlers in "Palestine" to defend themselves effectively against Arab predators. He helped lay the foundations for Israeli military doctrine and methods. While in England, Wingate dedicated a great deal of time and energy in hunting with the hounds. He explained that the hunt taught him to acquire a feel for the lay of the land and the hard riding of the hunt taught him courage. He used the hunt to train himself to be a better soldier and leader of others. Hunting was always very popular with the British upper classes. Jews on the other hand very seldom became hunters though professional Jewish hunters are recalled in the Talmud.
<<A PLAIN MAN>>: In Hebrew "Ish Tam". "Tam" translated "plain" connotes someone who is simple, straightforward, and not devious. In other words his basic nature was in direct contrast with the way in which Providence forced with to act when he used deception and trickery against Esau his brother and after that against Laban his uncle. The Hebrew word "tam" may have given rise to the English word "Tame".

[Genesis 25:28] AND ISAAC LOVED ESAU, BECAUSE HE DID EAT OF HIS VENISON: BUT REBEKAH LOVED JACOB.

[Genesis 25:29] AND JACOB SOD POTTAGE: AND ESAU CAME FROM THE FIELD, AND HE WAS FAINT:

[Genesis 25:30] AND ESAU SAID TO JACOB, FEED ME, I PRAY THEE, WITH THAT SAME RED POTTAGE; FOR I AM FAINT: THEREFORE WAS HIS NAME CALLED EDOM.

Edom was another name for Esau. In Scripture names often determine events or explain events after they happen. The same name can have different connotations all of which come into play.

[Genesis 25:31] AND JACOB SAID, SELL ME THIS DAY THY BIRTHRIGHT.

[Genesis 25:32] AND ESAU SAID, BEHOLD, I AM AT THE POINT TO DIE: AND WHAT PROFIT SHALL THIS BIRTHRIGHT DO TO ME?

[Genesis 25:33] AND JACOB SAID, SWEAR TO ME THIS DAY; AND HE SWARE UNTO HIM: AND HE SOLD HIS BIRTHRIGHT UNTO JACOB.

Saadia Gaon says that by this deed Jacob earned the right to claim later that he was the firstborn in place of Esau: "AND JACOB SAID UNTO HIS FATHER, I AM THY FIRST BORN, ESAU" (Genesis 27:19).

[Genesis 25:34] THEN JACOB GAVE ESAU BREAD AND POTTAGE OF LENTILES; AND HE DID EAT AND DRINK, AND ROSE UP, AND WENT HIS WAY: THUS ESAU DESPISED HIS BIRTHRIGHT.

Esau despised the birthright. He did not really want it.

[Genesis 26:1] AND THERE WAS A FAMINE IN THE LAND, BESIDE THE FIRST FAMINE THAT WAS IN THE DAYS OF ABRAHAM. AND ISAAC WENT UNTO ABIMELECH KING OF THE PHILISTINES UNTO GERAR.

[Genesis 26:2] AND THE LORD APPEARED UNTO HIM, AND SAID, GO NOT DOWN INTO EGYPT; DWELL IN THE LAND WHICH I SHALL TELL THEE OF:

[Genesis 26:3] SOJOURN IN THIS LAND, AND I WILL BE WITH THEE, AND WILL BLESS THEE; FOR UNTO THEE, AND UNTO THY SEED, I WILL GIVE ALL THESE COUNTRIES, AND I WILL PERFORM THE OATH WHICH I SWARE UNTO ABRAHAM THY FATHER;

Isaac (and not Ishmael) was to receive the promises to Abraham.
"THY SEED": Yehudah Kiel points out that the intention here is to Jacob to whom Isaac later knowingly gave the blessing of Abraham (Genesis 28:4).

[Genesis 26:4] AND I WILL MAKE THY SEED TO MULTIPLY AS THE STARS OF HEAVEN, AND WILL GIVE UNTO THY SEED ALL THESE COUNTRIES; AND IN THY SEED SHALL ALL THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH BE BLESSED;

Many numerous populations, all the lands, and a source of good to others. It is interesting that stars are one of the themes commonly found in Israelite insignia, e.g. stars on the flag of the USA, of Australia, and New Zealand. Later in the dream of Joseph the ancestors of the Israelite Tribes were represented by stars (Genesis 37:9).

IN THY SEED SHALL ALL THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH BE BLESSED. This continues the theme of the blessing to Abraham:
" THOU SHALT BE A BLESSING" (Genesis 12:2)
"IN THEE SHALL ALL FAMILIES OF THE EARTH BE BLESSED"(Genesis 12:3)
"SEEING THAT ABRAHAM SHALL SURELY BECOME A GREAT AND MIGHTY NATION, AND ALL THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH SHALL BE BLESSED IN HIM?" (Genesis 18:18).
"AND IN THY SEED SHALL ALL THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH BE BLESSED" (Genesis 22:18).
Cf.
"AND THEIR SEED SHALL BE KNOWN AMONG THE GENTILES, AND THEIR OFFSPRING AMONG THE PEOPLE: ALL THAT SEE THEM SHALL ACKNOWLEDGE THEM, THAT THEY ARE THE SEED WHICH THE LORD HATH BLESSED" (Isaiah 61:9).
The full impact of this blessing may well lay in the future. Nevertheless as we have pointed out several times peoples whom Brit-Am has identified as substantially of Israelite descent have been a blessing on the whole to the rest of mankind.
This is in effect yet one more Brit-Am Biblical Proof
that when taken in the context of all the other proofs as one complementary whole shows the present day identity of Brit-Am Israelite nations.

[Genesis 26:5] BECAUSE THAT ABRAHAM OBEYED MY VOICE, AND KEPT MY CHARGE, MY COMMANDMENTS, MY STATUTES, AND MY LAWS.

When one does good then ones children and their descendants are also blessed.

[Genesis 26:6] AND ISAAC DWELT IN GERAR:

s.2
[Genesis 26:7] AND THE MEN OF THE PLACE ASKED HIM OF HIS WIFE; AND HE SAID, SHE IS MY SISTER: FOR HE FEARED TO SAY, SHE IS MY WIFE; LEST, SAID HE, THE MEN OF THE PLACE SHOULD KILL ME FOR REBEKAH; BECAUSE SHE WAS FAIR TO LOOK UPON.

[Genesis 26:8] AND IT CAME TO PASS, WHEN HE HAD BEEN THERE A LONG TIME, THAT ABIMELECH KING OF THE PHILISTINES LOOKED OUT AT A WINDOW, AND SAW, AND, BEHOLD, ISAAC WAS SPORTING WITH REBEKAH HIS WIFE.

[Genesis 26:9] AND ABIMELECH CALLED ISAAC, AND SAID, BEHOLD, OF A SURETY SHE IS THY WIFE; AND HOW SAIDST THOU, SHE IS MY SISTER? AND ISAAC SAID UNTO HIM, BECAUSE I SAID, LEST I DIE FOR HER.

[Genesis 26:10] AND ABIMELECH SAID, WHAT IS THIS THOU HAST DONE UNTO US? ONE OF THE PEOPLE MIGHT LIGHTLY HAVE LIEN WITH THY WIFE, AND THOU SHOULDEST HAVE BROUGHT GUILTINESS UPON US.

[Genesis 26:11] AND ABIMELECH CHARGED ALL HIS PEOPLE, SAYING, HE THAT TOUCHETH THIS MAN OR HIS WIFE SHALL SURELY BE PUT TO DEATH.

[Genesis 26:12] THEN ISAAC SOWED IN THAT LAND, AND RECEIVED IN THE SAME YEAR AN HUNDREDFOLD: AND THE LORD BLESSED HIM.

s.3
[Genesis 26:13] AND THE MAN WAXED GREAT, AND WENT FORWARD, AND GREW UNTIL HE BECAME VERY GREAT:

[Genesis 26:14] FOR HE HAD POSSESSION OF FLOCKS, AND POSSESSION OF HERDS, AND GREAT STORE OF SERVANTS: AND THE PHILISTINES ENVIED HIM.

Isaac was like the Jews of history. As soon as they began to prosper they aroused the jealousy of their neighbors who then forced them to move on. It happened that after the Jews had been expelled from certain areas those places suffered economically and otherwise. They then asked the Jews to come back. The great Commentator, The Natziv, points out that something similar happened to Isaac.

[Genesis 26:15] FOR ALL THE WELLS WHICH HIS FATHER'S SERVANTS HAD DIGGED IN THE DAYS OF ABRAHAM HIS FATHER, THE PHILISTINES HAD STOPPED THEM, AND FILLED THEM WITH EARTH.

[Genesis 26:16] AND ABIMELECH SAID UNTO ISAAC, GO FROM US; FOR THOU ART MUCH MIGHTIER THAN WE.

[Genesis 26:17] AND ISAAC DEPARTED THENCE, AND PITCHED HIS TENT IN THE VALLEY OF GERAR, AND DWELT THERE.

[Genesis 26:18] AND ISAAC DIGGED AGAIN THE WELLS OF WATER, WHICH THEY HAD DIGGED IN THE DAYS OF ABRAHAM HIS FATHER; FOR THE PHILISTINES HAD STOPPED THEM AFTER THE DEATH OF ABRAHAM: AND HE CALLED THEIR NAMES AFTER THE NAMES BY WHICH HIS FATHER HAD CALLED THEM.

[Genesis 26:19] AND ISAAC'S SERVANTS DIGGED IN THE VALLEY, AND FOUND THERE A WELL OF SPRINGING WATER.

[Genesis 26:20] AND THE HERDMEN OF GERAR DID STRIVE WITH ISAAC'S HERDMEN, SAYING, THE WATER IS OURS: AND HE CALLED THE NAME OF THE WELL ESEK; BECAUSE THEY STROVE WITH HIM.

This happened to the Jews quite often. They would work hard and live frugally. Eventually they would succeed and achieve positions of importance and prosperity. Then the people among whom they lived would claim that the Jews had deprived them of and they would persecute the Jews and dispossess them. This was an element in the Nazis success. A lot of people benefited from stolen Jewish property or from positions that had been held by Jews. Even when no-one benefited or the actions against the Jews were counter-productive they would still be carried out. This is the same as closing up the wells.
Similarly a good portion of the world is supported by the USA. When it is good for America it is good for the world. Nevertheless many of those nations that benefit from the USA would turn against her if they could even if in the long run their own self-interest might be affected adversely.

[Genesis 26:21] AND THEY DIGGED ANOTHER WELL, AND STROVE FOR THAT ALSO: AND HE CALLED THE NAME OF IT SITNAH.

[Genesis 26:22] AND HE REMOVED FROM THENCE, AND DIGGED ANOTHER WELL; AND FOR THAT THEY STROVE NOT: AND HE CALLED THE NAME OF IT REHOBOTH; AND HE SAID, FOR NOW THE LORD HATH MADE ROOM FOR US, AND WE SHALL BE FRUITFUL IN THE LAND.

In the end a blessing was given that did not cause jealousy or strive.

[Genesis 26:23] AND HE WENT UP FROM THENCE TO BEERSHEBA.

s.4
[Genesis 26:24] AND THE LORD APPEARED UNTO HIM THE SAME NIGHT, AND SAID, I AM THE GOD OF ABRAHAM THY FATHER: FEAR NOT, FOR I AM WITH THEE, AND WILL BLESS THEE, AND MULTIPLY THY SEED FOR MY SERVANT ABRAHAM'S SAKE.

God said that he would keep His covenant with Isaac and the seed of Isaac for the sake of Abraham. This covenant had been made unconditionally.

[Genesis 26:25] AND HE BUILDED AN ALTAR THERE, AND CALLED UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD, AND PITCHED HIS TENT THERE: AND THERE ISAAC'S SERVANTS DIGGED A WELL.

[Genesis 26:26] THEN ABIMELECH WENT TO HIM FROM GERAR, AND AHUZZATH ONE OF HIS FRIENDS, AND PHICHOL THE CHIEF CAPTAIN OF HIS ARMY.

[Genesis 26:27] AND ISAAC SAID UNTO THEM, WHEREFORE COME YE TO ME, SEEING YE HATE ME, AND HAVE SENT ME AWAY FROM YOU?

[Genesis 26:28] AND THEY SAID, WE SAW CERTAINLY THAT THE LORD WAS WITH THEE: AND WE SAID, LET THERE BE NOW AN OATH BETWIXT US, EVEN BETWIXT US AND THEE, AND LET US MAKE A COVENANT WITH THEE;

The Natziv points out that frequently in Jewish history after the Jews were mistreated and expelled from a place they went elsewhere and succeeded. Those who had mistreated them would then come unto them and either invite them back or ask for favors. God sent the Jews into exile for several reasons: amongst these reasons were to teach us humility, to bring in converts, and to spread a humanizing influence.
The Protestants may not be aware of it but the Jews indirectly influenced most Christian reform movements.
This has been documented Louis Israel Newman, "Jewish Influence on Christian Reform Movements," USA, 1925.
Newman points out that the Reformers often followed a set pattern (something similar to which Yair Davidiy has also experienced personally):
A Christian Reformer decides he has the truth and the Jews were in the right and even more righteous than the old Christians.
The Reformer at first assumes that, Of course the Jews did not want to accept Christianity as it was presented to them by the corrupt pagan so-called other Christians.
Now that, he (the Reformer) has seen the light it is obvious that the Jews will come flocking to him, lay down at his feet and beg him to sprinkle holy water on them. He holds his breath. The Jews do not appear in a hurry to receive the new offer of salvation.
After a while, the Reformer realizes that the Jews just are not coming. He concludes that something must be wrong with them. This feeling grows and develops.
The reformer turns into an outright anti-Semite just as bad or worse than the people he claimed to be improving upon.

[Genesis 26:29] THAT THOU WILT DO US NO HURT, AS WE HAVE NOT TOUCHED THEE, AND AS WE HAVE DONE UNTO THEE NOTHING BUT GOOD, AND HAVE SENT THEE AWAY IN PEACE: THOU ART NOW THE BLESSED OF THE LORD.

s.5
[Genesis 26:30] AND HE MADE THEM A FEAST, AND THEY DID EAT AND DRINK.

Notice in the Bible, physical feelings are very important. People give gifts, eat and drink together, conduct ceremonies, etc. to induce feelings that are essentially spiritual such as friendship, or even Divine Inspiration. We should perhaps take note of this principle and apply it with our spouses, friends, business and work contacts. Buy your spouse and children presents now and again. You do not have to put out money that you cannot afford to part with. Even something small and inexpensive chosen with thought and affection helps a lot. Even when the recipients do not express their appreciation they still value your consideration. Give a tip to a taxi driver or a gift to a beggar, etc., if you can. Do not haggle unnecessarily over pennies. It does not cost much and it could make somebodys day. If you can help somebody out without necessarily going to much trouble, do so. This is what the world needs. Even a friendly encouraging smile or glance of empathy at the right time can do wonders. Maybe you should do more but at least make an effort to do something. It does not usually take much and you will also benefit. You will feel better and even find yourself operating more productively. Remember that charity begins at home.

[Genesis 26:31] AND THEY ROSE UP BETIMES IN THE MORNING, AND SWARE ONE TO ANOTHER: AND ISAAC SENT THEM AWAY, AND THEY DEPARTED FROM HIM IN PEACE.

[Genesis 26:32] AND IT CAME TO PASS THE SAME DAY, THAT ISAAC'S SERVANTS CAME, AND TOLD HIM CONCERNING THE WELL WHICH THEY HAD DIGGED, AND SAID UNTO HIM, WE HAVE FOUND WATER.

[Genesis 26:33] AND HE CALLED IT SHEBAH: THEREFORE THE NAME OF THE CITY IS BEERSHEBA UNTO THIS DAY.

The name of the city was Beer Sheba beforehand. It shows our point about the significance of names.

[Genesis 26:34] AND ESAU WAS FORTY YEARS OLD WHEN HE TOOK TO WIFE JUDITH THE DAUGHTER OF BEERI THE HITTITE, AND BASHEMATH THE DAUGHTER OF ELON THE HITTITE:

Esau intermarried with Hittites and with others. The Hittites had pockets in the land of Israel, in Syria, and in present-day Turkey. Sayce believed there were two kinds of Hittite, one a "Nordic" type and the other "Mongolian". Many researchers see a resemblance in physical features between the Hittites as they were depicted in Ancient Times and the present-day Armenians.

[Genesis 26:35] WHICH WERE A GRIEF OF MIND UNTO ISAAC AND TO REBEKAH.

He took unsuitable women that were not of his own kind and this caused grief. Sometimes this can be done and sometimes not. The bottom line depends on the consequences.

[Genesis 27:1] AND IT CAME TO PASS, THAT WHEN ISAAC WAS OLD, AND HIS EYES WERE DIM, SO THAT HE COULD NOT SEE, HE CALLED ESAU HIS ELDEST SON, AND SAID UNTO HIM, MY SON: AND HE SAID UNTO HIM, BEHOLD, HERE AM I.

God made Isaac blind so that Jacob would receive the blessings. God wanted Jacob to receive these blessings in this way. Why?
Note that Jacob was to receive the blessings (as we will see) through trickery yet he was by nature a simple uncomplicated person a dweller in tents. He was required to act in away diametrically opposed to his whole nature and upbringing. In effect he was risking his whole spiritual existence.

[Genesis 27:2] AND HE SAID, BEHOLD NOW, I AM OLD, I KNOW NOT THE DAY OF MY DEATH:

[Genesis 27:3] NOW THEREFORE TAKE, I PRAY THEE, THY WEAPONS, THY QUIVER AND THY BOW, AND GO OUT TO THE FIELD, AND TAKE ME

SOME VENISON;

At that time there must have been plenty of wild game in the Land of Israel and Esau must have been a prodigious hunter. Isaac tells Esau to go out and do some hunting and come back and make me meal. This assumedly was not to take him more than a few hours. Esau must have been quite a good hunter.

[Genesis 27:4] AND MAKE ME SAVOURY MEAT, SUCH AS I LOVE, AND BRING IT TO ME, THAT I MAY EAT; THAT MY SOUL MAY BLESS THEE BEFORE I DIE.

Isaac wanted to satisfy his body and feel good in order to reach the necessary spiritual level he needed to.

[Genesis 27:5] AND REBEKAH HEARD WHEN ISAAC SPAKE TO ESAU HIS SON. AND ESAU WENT TO THE FIELD TO HUNT FOR VENISON, AND TO BRING IT.
[Genesis 27:6] AND REBEKAH SPAKE UNTO JACOB HER SON, SAYING, BEHOLD, I HEARD THY FATHER SPEAK UNTO ESAU THY BROTHER, SAYING,
[Genesis 27:7] BRING ME VENISON, AND MAKE ME SAVOURY MEAT, THAT I MAY EAT, AND BLESS THEE BEFORE THE LORD BEFORE MY DEATH.
[Genesis 27:8] NOW THEREFORE, MY SON, OBEY MY VOICE ACCORDING TO THAT WHICH I COMMAND THEE.
[Genesis 27:9] GO NOW TO THE FLOCK, AND FETCH ME FROM THENCE TWO GOOD KIDS OF THE GOATS; AND I WILL MAKE THEM SAVOURY MEAT FOR THY FATHER, SUCH AS HE LOVETH:

[Genesis 27:10] AND THOU SHALT BRING IT TO THY FATHER, THAT HE MAY EAT, AND THAT HE MAY BLESS THEE BEFORE HIS DEATH.
[Genesis 27:11] AND JACOB SAID TO REBEKAH HIS MOTHER, BEHOLD, ESAU MY BROTHER IS A HAIRY MAN, AND I AM A SMOOTH MAN:
[Genesis 27:12] MY FATHER PERADVENTURE WILL FEEL ME, AND I SHALL SEEM TO HIM AS A DECEIVER; AND I SHALL BRING A CURSE UPON ME, AND NOT A BLESSING.
Jacob risked being cursed forever.

[Genesis 27:13] AND HIS MOTHER SAID UNTO HIM, UPON ME BE THY CURSE, MY SON: ONLY OBEY MY VOICE, AND GO FETCH ME THEM.

He honored his mother but risked eternal damnation from his father. In the end everything turned out for the better but for a few minutes he was walking a very dangerous tightrope.

[Genesis 27:14] AND HE WENT, AND FETCHED, AND BROUGHT THEM TO HIS MOTHER: AND HIS MOTHER MADE SAVOURY MEAT, SUCH AS HIS FATHER LOVED.

[Genesis 27:15] AND REBEKAH TOOK GOODLY RAIMENT OF HER ELDEST SON ESAU, WHICH WERE WITH HER IN THE HOUSE, AND PUT THEM UPON JACOB HER YOUNGER SON:

[Genesis 27:16] AND SHE PUT THE SKINS OF THE KIDS OF THE GOATS UPON HIS HANDS, AND UPON THE SMOOTH OF HIS NECK:
[Genesis 27:17] AND SHE GAVE THE SAVOURY MEAT AND THE BREAD, WHICH SHE HAD PREPARED, INTO THE HAND OF HER SON JACOB.
[Genesis 27:18] AND HE CAME UNTO HIS FATHER, AND SAID, MY FATHER: AND HE SAID, HERE AM I; WHO ART THOU, MY SON?
[Genesis 27:19] AND JACOB SAID UNTO HIS FATHER, I AM ESAU THY FIRST BORN; I HAVE DONE ACCORDING AS THOU BADEST ME: ARISE, I PRAY THEE, SIT AND EAT OF MY VENISON, THAT THY SOUL MAY BLESS ME.

<<I AM ESAU THY FIRST BORN>>In the Hebrew original the order of the words is: "I AM THY FIRST BORN ESAU". The stress of the words according to the sages was: "I AM, THY FIRST BORN, -ESAU". Jacob really was the firstborn since unbeknown to Isaac he had acquired the right to be considered the firstborn as we saw above (Genesis 25:33). Isaac apparently knew that it was either Esau or Jacob. He did not think it was anybody else. Strictly speaking Isaac was lying but he was also telling Isaac that he was he (Jacob) himself and that he had the right of the firstborn, Esau.

This whole affair may yet seem a little problematic but read the account through to the end for we find that the blessing of Isaac was given with the knowledge that he receiving the blessing was the one upon whom it should come and did come (Genesis 27:33). After the event Isaac consciously confirmed the blessing twice over (Genesis 27:33, 35 Genesis 28:3-4) .

First Isaac decided to eat and drink that he feel physically correct and then he would give the blessing. He was eating freshly prepared meat.
<<I PRAY>>: Hebrew "NA" meaning "please", i.e. please sit up. "Na" can also mean "Now" which is how Onkelos translates it, i.e. "Sit Up Now".
The English word "now" is probably derived from the Hebrew "na".

[Genesis 27:20] AND ISAAC SAID UNTO HIS SON, HOW IS IT THAT THOU HAST FOUND IT SO QUICKLY, MY SON? AND HE SAID, BECAUSE THE LORD THY GOD BROUGHT IT TO ME.

[Genesis 27:21] AND ISAAC SAID UNTO JACOB, COME NEAR, I PRAY THEE, THAT I MAY FEEL THEE, MY SON, WHETHER THOU BE MY VERY SON ESAU OR NOT.

[Genesis 27:22] AND JACOB WENT NEAR UNTO ISAAC HIS FATHER; AND HE FELT HIM, AND SAID, THE VOICE IS JACOB'S VOICE, BUT THE HANDS ARE THE HANDS OF ESAU.

The voice was that of Jacob: voice can represent spiritual content.
The hands were those of Esau: that can mean the actual physical means put into action.

[Genesis 27:23] AND HE DISCERNED HIM NOT, BECAUSE HIS HANDS WERE HAIRY, AS HIS BROTHER ESAU'S HANDS: SO HE BLESSED HIM.
[Genesis 27:24] AND HE SAID, ART THOU MY VERY SON ESAU? AND HE SAID, I AM.

He said I am. He did not say I am Esau. He was deceiving but not strictly speaking lying. A person should not lie. He should tell the truth. In exceptional circumstances a person can say things that are not correct or give an incorrect impression. You do not have to unnecessarily embarrass yourself or others or put yourself in danger of harm. Even in such cases direct lies should be avoided if possible.
Saxo Grammaticus relates that the ancient heroes of Scandinavia tried always to tell the truth BUT if in an emergency they could not tell the truth but had to give a contrary impression then they attempt to formulate what they said in an ambiguous manner rather than say something that was outrightly false. This is the same method used by Jacob.
Incidentally even though Jacob by nature was a simple straightforward person one of the connotations of his name is trickery. Names are significant.
By nature Jacob was a simple straightforward person now in what was the most important test of his life he had to adopt an attribute that the diametric opposite of simple directness.
Concerning telling the truth. People often lies unnecessarily and automatically. It becomes a habit that is difficult to break out of. If you feel have done something wrong or feel that the truth is not acceptable, from my experience, very often you are mistaken. There are usually very sound reasons for your behavior or situation that are completely acceptable and respected in the eyes of others or at least understandable. People can be quite forgiving for a lot of offences but may take great offence at being unnecessarily deceived. The trick is to know how to tell the truth truthfully: To be honest with yourself. You are expected to do as well as you can. You do not have to harm yourself. Ask God for guidance and try to do your best and things should work out.

I once had a friend or associate who acted quite offensively with a lot of people. He did things that normally would not be forgiven and he got away with it. People retained their respect for him. His secret was that he looked them in the eye and told the truth. It was quite disarming. One would suddenly realize that we all have weaknesses and at least we were being spoken to honestly. Not everyone can do this but it is a point worth noting. Another point is that people do not like being lied to and in their subconscious at least are often well aware that they are being misled. This offends them. They would often (but not always) prefer the minor offense that the truth may tell them of than the greater offence to their dignity of being tricked or cheated.
We all have weaknesses and faults and we can all do better. Some things are hard to change but others require only a little effort. Do what you can.

[Genesis 27:25] AND HE SAID, BRING IT NEAR TO ME, AND I WILL EAT OF MY SON'S VENISON, THAT MY SOUL MAY BLESS THEE. AND HE BROUGHT IT NEAR TO HIM, AND HE DID EAT: AND HE BROUGHT HIM WINE AND HE DRANK.

[Genesis 27:26] AND HIS FATHER ISAAC SAID UNTO HIM, COME NEAR NOW, AND KISS ME, MY SON.
[Genesis 27:27] AND HE CAME NEAR, AND KISSED HIM: AND HE SMELLED THE SMELL OF HIS RAIMENT, AND BLESSED HIM, AND SAID, SEE, THE SMELL OF MY SON IS AS THE SMELL OF A FIELD WHICH THE LORD HATH BLESSED:

Here we have field associated with the blessing of God. Esau was also called man of the field.

[Genesis 27:28] THEREFORE GOD GIVE THEE OF THE DEW OF HEAVEN, AND THE FATNESS OF THE EARTH, AND PLENTY OF CORN AND WINE:

Agricultural plenty and great blessings.

s.6
[Genesis 27:29] LET PEOPLE SERVE THEE, AND NATIONS BOW DOWN TO THEE: BE LORD OVER THY BRETHREN, AND LET THY MOTHER'S SONS BOW DOWN TO THEE: CURSED BE EVERY ONE THAT CURSETH THEE, AND BLESSED BE HE THAT BLESSETH THEE.

BE LORD OVER THY BRETHREN i.e. Ishmael and Esau.

[Genesis 27:30] AND IT CAME TO PASS, AS SOON AS ISAAC HAD MADE AN END OF BLESSING JACOB, AND JACOB WAS YET SCARCE GONE OUT FROM THE PRESENCE OF ISAAC HIS FATHER, THAT ESAU HIS BROTHER CAME IN FROM HIS HUNTING.

This was Divine Providence. Jacob just managed to get out when Esau arrived

[Genesis 27:31] AND HE ALSO HAD MADE SAVOURY MEAT, AND BROUGHT IT UNTO HIS FATHER, AND SAID UNTO HIS FATHER, LET MY FATHER ARISE, AND EAT OF HIS SON'S VENISON, THAT THY SOUL MAY BLESS ME.
[Genesis 27:32] AND ISAAC HIS FATHER SAID UNTO HIM, WHO ART THOU? AND HE SAID, I AM THY SON, THY FIRSTBORN ESAU.
[Genesis 27:33] AND ISAAC TREMBLED VERY EXCEEDINGLY, AND SAID, WHO? WHERE IS HE THAT HATH TAKEN VENISON, AND BROUGHT IT ME, AND I HAVE EATEN OF ALL BEFORE THOU CAMEST, AND HAVE BLESSED HIM? YEA, AND HE SHALL BE BLESSED.

YEA, AND HE SHALL BE BLESSED: I sometimes give talks and explanations of ideas I have to groups of people or individuals. Sometimes it comes out well and at other times something seems lacking. I find the differences are as much due to the audience as to myself.
Similarly Isaac gave the blessing to the person he believed to be Esau NEVERTHELESS in giving the blessing he realized he was only a conduit.
The blessing he was giving over was according to the will of God.
The blessing was bing received by he to whom God wanted to bless.

[Genesis 27:34] AND WHEN ESAU HEARD THE WORDS OF HIS FATHER, HE CRIED WITH A GREAT AND EXCEEDING BITTER CRY, AND SAID UNTO HIS FATHER, BLESS ME, EVEN ME ALSO, O MY FATHER.
[Genesis 27:35] AND HE SAID, THY BROTHER CAME WITH SUBTILTY, AND HATH TAKEN AWAY THY BLESSING.
[Genesis 27:36] AND HE SAID, IS NOT HE RIGHTLY NAMED JACOB? FOR HE HATH SUPPLANTED ME THESE TWO TIMES: HE TOOK AWAY MY BIRTHRIGHT; AND, BEHOLD, NOW HE HATH TAKEN AWAY MY BLESSING. AND HE SAID, HAST THOU NOT RESERVED A BLESSING FOR ME?

JACOB? FOR HE HATH SUPPLANTED ME: Jacob can connote supplant as well as trickery.

[Genesis 27:37] AND ISAAC ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO ESAU, BEHOLD, I HAVE MADE HIM THY LORD, AND ALL HIS BRETHREN HAVE I GIVEN TO HIM FOR SERVANTS; AND WITH CORN AND WINE HAVE I SUSTAINED HIM: AND WHAT SHALL I DO NOW UNTO THEE, MY SON?

ALL HIS BRETHREN HAVE I GIVEN TO HIM FOR SERVANTS: Jacob was to be the master of all peoples of the earth. This is not a fashionable thing to say but that is the impression received from scripture.
WITH CORN AND WINE HAVE I SUSTAINED HIM: Great material prosperity.

[Genesis 27:38] AND ESAU SAID UNTO HIS FATHER, HAST THOU BUT ONE BLESSING, MY FATHER? BLESS ME, EVEN ME ALSO, O MY FATHER. AND ESAU LIFTED UP HIS VOICE, AND WEPT.
[Genesis 27:39] AND ISAAC HIS FATHER ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO HIM, BEHOLD, THY DWELLING SHALL BE THE FATNESS OF THE EARTH, AND OF THE DEW OF HEAVEN FROM ABOVE;

Esau is here promised a fertile place to dwell in. The Talmud says that at one stage this was Magna Greacia or Southern Italy which was once very fertile. From there the sons of Esau moved on. Some Christian commentaries say the verse should be read: THY DWELLING SHALL BE [far away from] THE FATNESS OF THE EARTH: I do not know the source of this explanation and it does not fit the Hebrew as I understand it. It appears in some translations and is accepted by several Christian exegetes. It may be that the land southeast of Israel that is known as Edom is not regarded as being terribly fertile and the translators were trying to rationalize their translation and adapt the translated meaning according to their own understanding of reality as it was in the past. Against this it can be said that the Land of Edom was once much more fertile than it now is. Also Edom was scattered to several areas. A passage in an inscription from the ancient city of Ugarit on the north Syrian coast speaks of the well-watered land of Edom. There was a region belonging to Edom in the north. A region (usually ruled from Assyria) by the Habor River in Northern Syria was once known as "Idam Araz" meaning "Land of Edom" as noted by the researcher Michael Banyai.

Our impression is that Edomites were prominent in the hierarchies of Babylon, Ugarit, Assyria, and Phoenician Tyre.

[Genesis 27:40] AND BY THY SWORD SHALT THOU LIVE, AND SHALT SERVE THY BROTHER; AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS WHEN THOU SHALT HAVE THE DOMINION, THAT THOU SHALT BREAK HIS YOKE FROM OFF THY NECK.

BY THY SWORD SHALT THOU LIVE, AND SHALT SERVE THY BROTHER: Esau was a military man. The Talmud says that every war requires the presence of Esau in order to achieve victory.
THAT THOU SHALT BREAK HIS YOKE FROM OFF THY NECK:
Onkelos translates this to say that when Jacob sins then Esau is asserting his independence or even acquiring domination.

[Genesis 27:41] AND ESAU HATED JACOB BECAUSE OF THE BLESSING WHEREWITH HIS FATHER BLESSED HIM: AND ESAU SAID IN HIS HEART, THE DAYS OF MOURNING FOR MY FATHER ARE AT HAND; THEN WILL I SLAY MY BROTHER JACOB.

ESAU HATED JACOB BECAUSE OF THE BLESSING WHEREWITH HIS FATHER BLESSED HIM: Esau was the first anti-Semite. He cannot help hating Jacob. This explains the anti-Semites in the Identity movement and Replacement Theology. Replacement Theology says that Israel (meaning in their terms the Jews) were originally the Chosen People but now the Christians have replaced them. The anti-Jewish identity people say that the Jews are not true Israelites but rather they themselves are. In both cases you have the jealousy of Esau trying to regain the rights of primogeniture.

[Genesis 27:42] AND THESE WORDS OF ESAU HER ELDER SON WERE TOLD TO REBEKAH: AND SHE SENT AND CALLED JACOB HER YOUNGER SON, AND SAID UNTO HIM, BEHOLD, THY BROTHER ESAU, AS TOUCHING THEE, DOTH COMFORT HIMSELF, PURPOSING TO KILL THEE.

REBEKAH had directed Jacob as how to obtain the blessing. Rebekah did this because God had told her that her younger son (Jacob) should receive the predominance. Isaac apparently was never aware of this Prophetic Revelation that Rebecca had received. Women often really do have intuition as to the true nature of people, of their children, of guests, etc.

[Genesis 27:43] NOW THEREFORE, MY SON, OBEY MY VOICE; ARISE, FLEE THOU TO LABAN MY BROTHER TO HARAN;
[Genesis 27:44] AND TARRY WITH HIM A FEW DAYS, UNTIL THY BROTHER'S FURY TURN AWAY;

[Genesis 27:45] UNTIL THY BROTHER'S ANGER TURN AWAY FROM THEE, AND HE FORGET THAT WHICH THOU HAST DONE TO HIM: THEN I WILL SEND, AND FETCH THEE FROM THENCE: WHY SHOULD I BE DEPRIVED ALSO OF YOU BOTH IN ONE DAY?
Rebecca was a mother. She still loved her son Esau.
[Genesis 27:46] AND REBEKAH SAID TO ISAAC, I AM WEARY OF MY LIFE BECAUSE OF THE DAUGHTERS OF HETH: IF JACOB TAKE A WIFE OF THE DAUGHTERS OF HETH, SUCH AS THESE WHICH ARE OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE LAND, WHAT GOOD SHALL MY LIFE DO ME?
[Genesis 28:1] AND ISAAC CALLED JACOB, AND BLESSED HIM, AND CHARGED HIM, AND SAID UNTO HIM, THOU SHALT NOT TAKE A WIFE OF THE DAUGHTERS OF CANAAN.
[Genesis 28:2] ARISE, GO TO PADANARAM, TO THE HOUSE OF BETHUEL THY MOTHER'S FATHER; AND TAKE THEE A WIFE FROM THENCE OF THE DAUGHERS OF LABAN THY MOTHER'S BROTHER.

[Genesis 28:3] AND GOD ALMIGHTY BLESS THEE, AND MAKE THEE FRUITFUL, AND MULTIPLY THEE, THAT THOU MAYEST BE A MULTITUDE OF PEOPLE;
Here Isaac confirms the blessing to Jacob.
[Genesis 28:4] AND GIVE THEE THE BLESSING OF ABRAHAM, TO THEE, AND TO THY SEED WITH THEE; THAT THOU MAYEST INHERIT THE LAND WHEREIN THOU ART A STRANGER, WHICH GOD GAVE UNTO ABRAHAM.

THE BLESSING OF ABRAHAM: Isaac was here consciously announcing that the blessing to Abraham was to pass to Jacob. This was no longer dependent on subterfuge but an openly declared fact of existence. Isaac had been tricked at the conscious level but he realized that such was the will of God and he accepted it.
INHERIT THE LAND WHEREIN THOU ART A STRANGER: Also translatable as the land of your sojourning: This was applying to the Land of Israel but I would suggest that it also applies to the Ten Tribes who were to inherit the lands they would be exiled unto.

s.7
[Genesis 28:5] AND ISAAC SENT AWAY JACOB: AND HE WENT TO PADANARAM UNTO LABAN, SON OF BETHUEL THE SYRIAN, THE BROTHER OF REBEKAH, JACOB'S AND ESAU'S MOTHER.&

He was going to his own family. A person should marry whoever he understands to be best for him, someone destined from the Almighty. This is easier said than done and the most important thing is to get married with somebody one can get along with and raise a family, the sooner the better. As far as human choice has a say it appears to be preferable (all other things being equal) to marry someone like oneself from the same background and even from the same area and ethnic origins. The emphasis here is on the expression "appears to be preferable" since this may not always hold and is not to be taken as absolutely binding.

[Genesis 28:6] WHEN ESAU SAW THAT ISAAC HAD BLESSED JACOB, AND SENT HIM AWAY TO PADANARAM, TO TAKE HIM A WIFE FROM THENCE; AND THAT AS HE BLESSED HIM HE GAVE HIM A CHARGE, SAYING, THOU SHALT NOT TAKE A WIFE OF THE DAUGHERS OF CANAAN;
[Genesis 28:7] AND THAT JACOB OBEYED HIS FATHER AND HIS MOTHER, AND WAS GONE TO PADANARAM;
[Genesis 28:8] AND ESAU SEEING THAT THE DAUGHTERS OF CANAAN PLEASED NOT ISAAC HIS FATHER;
[Genesis 28:9] THEN WENT ESAU UNTO ISHMAEL, AND TOOK UNTO THE WIVES WHICH HE HAD MAHALATH THE DAUGHTER OF ISHMAEL ABRAHAM'S SON, THE SISTER OF NEBAJOTH, TO BE HIS WIFE.

He took a daughter of Ishmael in addition to his other wives, not instead of them.
This is said to hint at a future union between Ishmael (Arabs & Islam) and Esau (Europe & conventional Christianity) versus Israel and Judah.

On a symbolic level Esau represents the animal bad impulse and Jacob the spiritual one.
Sometimes the spiritual side has to dress itself up as Esau in order to achieve its proper place.

#Michael Banyai
"THE ARAB FRINGE. AN ENQUIRY CONCERNING Musri, KUSH, MELUHHA AND MAGAN",
Stuttgart:
"The Upper-Chabur state Kadmuhhi (a hurritised semitic Kedima East), which replaced as name the older appellation of the same region Idamaraz (maybe Idam Araz = sem. Land)."