The account of Rebekah assisting Jacob in deceiving his father Isaac is found in Genesis 27. Isaac, old and nearly blind, intended to bless Esau, his firstborn son. Rebekah overheard this plan and acted quickly. Genesis 27:6–7 says:
“So Rebekah spoke to Jacob her son, saying, ‘Indeed I heard your father speak to Esau your brother, saying, “Bring me game and make savory food for me, that I may eat it and bless you in the presence of the Lord before my death.”’”
Rebekah instructed Jacob to bring her two young goats so she could prepare a meal for Isaac. Jacob then dressed in Esau’s clothes and covered his hands and neck with goat skins to mimic Esau’s hairy skin (Genesis 27:15–16). Isaac was deceived and gave Jacob the blessing intended for Esau.
Rebekah’s motivation was tied to God’s earlier prophecy in Genesis 25:23:
“And the Lord said to her: ‘Two nations are in your womb… The older shall serve the younger.’”
She likely believed she was helping fulfill God’s promise that Jacob would receive the blessing. However, her method involved deceit and manipulation rather than trusting God to accomplish His plan in His way. This choice brought severe consequences, including division in the family and Jacob’s exile for many years (Genesis 27:41–45).
This account teaches that while God’s purposes will stand, using sinful means to achieve them brings pain and conflict. It reminds us that faith requires patience and trust in God’s timing rather than resorting to human schemes.
