Genesis 27: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Genesis 27 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Genesis chapter 27 tells the story of Isaac's impending blessing of his sons, Esau and Jacob. Isaac, now old and blind, expresses his desire to confer the blessing of the firstborn upon Esau, who is favored for his hunting skills. However, Rebekah, Isaac's wife, orchestrates a plan to ensure that Jacob receives the blessing instead.

Key verse

“He said, “Your brother came with deceit, and has taken away your blessing.”
Genesis 27:35 (WEB)

Outline

Genesis 27:1–4 Isaac's Intent to Bless Esau
Genesis 27:5–10 Rebekah's Scheme
Genesis 27:11–17 Jacob's Hesitation and Deception
Genesis 27:18–29 Jacob Receives the Blessing
Genesis 27:30–40 Esau Returns and Discovers Deceit
Genesis 27:41–46 Esau's Anger and Jacob's Flight

Discussion questions

In v1, why does Isaac call for his son Esau?
What does Rebekah instruct Jacob to do in v8?
Jacob's fear in v12: why does he worry about seeming a deceiver?
Esau's cry in v34: what does he mean by asking to be blessed as well?
When have you felt a need to deceive to gain something important, like Jacob?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Genesis 27: Genesis 25, Genesis 12, Hebrews 11.

Before next time: read Genesis 28.