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In my last article, I pointed out how I didn't hold the viewpoint that the planned deception, that was being crafted by Rebekah was meant to be done in some kind of vile and malicious way towards her husband Isaac. I also pointed out that Rebekah's plan of deception, was simply an overreaction towards Isaac's crafted plan to try to defy God. Remember that Isaac would unknowingly try to out maneuver God, when it came to restoring the inheritance of his favorite son Esau. Keep in mind that when this account is read carefully, we'll find that all parties were at fault, and not just Rebekah and Jacob -- as most people have taught and preached. But does this mean that I'm trying to say that they were bad people, when it comes to the household of Isaac and Rebekah? Of course not, in fact -- I believe that the actions from three out of the four, were simply caused by the tremendous love that they had for one another, nothing more, nothing less. Personally I like to think that these people were good God-fearing people, who had lost site of their divine guide and instead, began to focus and rely on their natural instincts. I also hold the viewpoint that Isaac was upset, by the fact that Esau had foolishly, given away his birthright to his youngest son Jacob. So instead of trusting God for his son's provision, Isaac comes up with a plan that involved a special blessing that would be placed on Esau. Keep in mind that this blessing would be in complete contrast to what God had already foretold about the two men, before they were even born: "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger." -- (Genesis 25: 23) I cannot count Jacob necessarily as being in the wrong, when he presented Esau with a proposition that directly involved his brother's birthright for a bowl of red lentil stew that he was preparing at that time. Jacob did not, or could not have forced Esau, a man that was physically strong and of iron will to do something that he did not want to do. For we must understand, that when it came to Esau, his birthright meant nothing to him, and so therefore, he decides to throw it away for what he'd perceived its overall value to be - which was nothing. For this reason, I stand by my viewpoint that up to this point -- Jacob is still in the clear. But let us turn our attention to Jacob's mother Rebekah, you know, the one who adored him so much. Keep in mind that it was Rebekah who'd supported Jacob through his entire childhood, when he probably felt, at times, like he could not compete with Esau, when it came to earning the love of his father. Would it be, that too far-fetched, to be able see Jacob feeling depressed and rejected because of this competition with his brother Esau? And what about the mother who'd loved him so? Could it be inconceivable to see how his loving mom would come to his emotional aid and be a comfort Jacob, the son she loved with all her heart. Remember that God had given Rebekah a prophecy while she was pregnant with the two boys. And it would be within this prophecy that God would mention: "...and the older [Esau] will serve the younger [Jacob]." -- (Genesis 25: 23) And with Rebekah knowing this, I can easily grasp the notion of her her reassuring Jacob that everything will be alright, because the Lord had declared it to be so, before he was even born. But as we fast-forward we now discover that she overhears her husband Isaac talking (scheming) to Esau, and in her gut, she knows that Isaac might be trying to deny Jacob of his right to be heir to the birthright. And of course, Rebekah would have none of it, so she immediately seeks out Jacob and reveals to him her plans to protect his right to the birthright. But after Jacob had heard what his mother was planning to do, he knew immediately that this would be wrong, and that a curse (punishment) would be brought down on him if he were to participate. But Rebekah quickly denounces his fears, and reassures him that all will be okay and that she will stand in his place, if the wrath of God were to strike behind what they were planning to do: "My son, let the curse fall on me. Just do what I say; go and get them for me." -- (Genesis 27:13) Now keep in mind that this is coming from the only person who'd stood by him when nobody else would. A person that loved him so-much-so, that she's willing to stand between him and the wrath of God, so that his life may be spared. I ask you today, if you were in Jacob's place -- could you say no to her? Be that as it may, Jacob would do as his mother had instructed him and he brought back the two choice goats that she had requested of him earlier. After receiving the two goats, Rebekah would prepare Isaac's favorite meal, just the way her husband liked it. Next she would go get some of Esau's best clothes and she put them on Jacob. Know that, by Jacob being a smooth skinned man and not hairy man like his brother Esau -- Rebekah would cover his hands and neck, with the left over goat skins. Then she handed Jacob the tasty meal she'd prepared, along with some bread and instructed Jacob to take it out to his father. So Jacob did as his mother had instructed him and took the food out to his father. But will Jacob's disguise be enough to trick Isaac into thinking that he was his favorite son Esau? Since Rebekah and Jacob are wrong for what they are about to do, will God step in and put a stop to it? And what about Esau... will he find out in time? **YOUR CURRENT BIBLE STUDY ONLINE SERIES WOULD BE HERE** Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty 28) The Twelve Rulers of Ishmael 30) Esau & Jacob - The Birthright 31) Isaac and the Canaan Famine 33) The Envious King Abimelech 39) <-CURRENT BIBLE STUDY ONLINE PAGE-> 40) Deceitful Hearts 43) Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty 
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