Daily Devotions
Genesis
"Yes, the Lord will give what is good; And our land will yield its increase." Psalm 85:12
Text: Genesis 27:1-46
THE PRONOUNCEMENT OF THE FIRSTBORN BLESSING
Isaac, after having feasted on the food that Jacob had brought to him, requested that his son draw closer to him. Was he still trying to dispel whatever lingering doubt there may have been in his mind concerning the identity of the young man who had brought him food? However, the scent on Esau’s clothes were strong and unmistakable. Isaac was led to believe that it was indeed his firstborn who knelt before him.
“Surely, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field
which the Lord has blessed. Therefore may God give you
of the dew of heaven, of the fatness of the earth,
and plenty of grain and wine.
Let the peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you.
be master over your brethren, and let your mother’s sons
bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you,
and blessed be those who bless you!”GENESIS 27:27-29
These were wondrous words of promise indeed! Little wonder that Rebekah was willing to risk everything to obtain the firstborn blessing for her beloved son. Jacob.
1. The Spiritual Dimension
Isaac invoked the Name of the LORD in the pronouncement of his patriarchal blessing! Surely God would bless because His Name was invoked!
2. The Actual Blessings contemplated
a) Much-needed Physical blessing
Isaac had experienced a famine in his lifetime. Abraham also had experienced a famine in his generation! How wonderful it would be if the firstborn blessing included special protection!
The opposite of suffering “famine” would be to be blessed with “the dew of heaven…the fatness of the earth, and plenty of rain…” These elements would be vital to having a great harvest.
b) Authority over the Clan
Isaac gave specific (prophetic) details! What lofty heights Jacob would climb if God were to fulfill all that he had pronounced upon his firstborn.
c) A spreading Influence
Isaac saw beyond the confines of the family. He saw other nations bowing to Jacob!
d) An anathema
An anathema was pronounced on all who would attempt to curse Jacob. Conversely, a blessing was invoked on those who would bless his firstborn!