Rebekah's Sneaky Secret

by Mary Vee

Genesis 27:5-14

I can't let Esau know my secret plan. Rebekah watched her son, Esau, gather his weapons, quiver, and bow.

He waved to her while heading out the door. "Be back in a while, Mother. I'm gonna track the best meat Father's ever tasted."

Once Esau hiked far out to the field and toward the woods, Rebekah searched for her other son, Jacob. I need to do something quickly. Jacob should receive the family blessing, not Esau. She found him tending the sheep nearby.

"Jacob, I need you to do me a favor."

"Sure. Be right there." He washed his hands. "What do you need?"

Rebekah glanced back at the tent. Isaac must still be sitting in his chair. He can't see me. Good.

She held a finger close to her lips and whispered, "I heard your father speak to Esau a moment ago."

Jacob laughed. "He talks to him all the time."

Rebekah furrowed her brows. "Shhhh. This time he asked Esau to bring fresh game and to make it into that dish he likes."

"Mother, I don't see what's wrong with that."

She walked further away from the tent and motioned Jacob to follow. "My son, your father intends to eat his favorite meal then give your brother the family blessing. You realize what that means, don't you?"

He bowed his head. "Yes, I do. All nations and my descendants will serve Esau's descendants. His crops will prosper. Everyone who blesses him will be blessed."

Rebekah put her arms on Jacob's shoulders. "And everyone who curses him will be cursed. Listen to me, my son, I've come up with a plan. If you do everything I'm about to tell you the blessing will be yours."

Jacob sighed. "I'll do whatever you say."

"Good. Go to the flock. Bring two of the healthiest kids from the goat herd. I'll make the savory food from them, just the way your father likes. When I finish preparing the meal, you will serve him and wait until he gives you the family blessing."

Jacob shook his head. "It'll never work. He may not know you made the food from our own goats, but he'll know I'm not Esau."

Jacob rubbed his arm. "Look at me, Mother. My skin is smooth, not hairy like Esau. If I take Father the food, he will curse me, instead of blessing me.

He paced in front of her then walked toward the sheep pen. "Mother, I don't want to be cursed!"

Rebekah ran toward him. "My son. If your father curses you, let it fall on me. Please. You must do as I ask in order to receive the family blessing. Go get the kids for me."

She glanced toward the fields looking for Esau. Good. I can't see him yet.

"Do as I say." Rebekah grabbed her skirt tight in her hand and walked back toward the tent. "And hurry. We must serve your father before Esau returns."

Jacob nodded. "I'll have the goats ready for you in a few minutes."

Rebekah's decision to keep a secret from someone she loved, (Isaac), and others, (her son Esau), is sure to bring problems. Hiding the truth only results in trouble.

God told Rebekah that her older son would serve her younger son. Did God need Rebekah's help? What would happen if Rebekah didn't make Isaac's favorite food and instead decided to wait to see what God would do? What would happen if she didn't tell Jacob to lie to his father and instead decided to wait to see what God would do? Click on the comment button to tell me what you think.

Waiting is difficult, but God's way is best.