Layers of Sin: Genesis 27:30-36

It’s amazing how infectious sin becomes when one person uses it against another.  I don’t think the infection is always intentional.  One person feels cheated, so they figure out a way to get back on top.  Someone else now feels cheated, so they escalate the situation to get back on top.  Sin is cyclical, and it seldom resolves itself until righteousness steps in.

Esau comes in with food prepared for Isaac.  He’s done what his father asked.  He’s ready to be elevated in status.  He has almost overcome the birthright fiasco.

When Esau calls out to his father, Isaac knows he’s been had.  During the deception, Isaac had a sneaking suspicion it was Jacob who came before him, but there were enough signs to allow the deception to continue.  Isaac trembles.

There’s more to Isaac’s tremble than irritation.  When the Bible says he trembles, I don’t think it is from anger at Jacob’s deception.  Angry people yell.  Angry people get big and demonstrative.  Angry people don’t tremble.

Isaac trembles because he understands how the situation played out.  Isaac trembles because he knows God knew better than he did.  At this moment, he recognizes the omniscience – not necessarily the omnipotence – of God.  God knew how this story would play out beforehand, which is why God said Jacob would rule over Esau.  God didn’t make this moment happen, but God knew how it would play out. 

Isaac trembles because he recognizes the greatness of God in comparison to his humanity.  Isaac wanted to get around God’s promise to Rebekah.  In sinfully trying to force his hand, Isaac is manipulated into doing the opposite of what he wanted.  God knew it would happen, but Isaac was too blind – physically, emotionally, and spiritually – to see it coming.

Esau doesn’t fare much better.  When Esau hears the news, he only thinks about himself.  For the record, I wouldn’t have fared any better.  Esau felt like he was bilked out of what belonged to him.  It’s natural to feel the way he does.

The greater context, though, is that he already sold his birthright.  Esau already demonstrated he struggles playing the long game.  The blessing wasn’t Esau’s to have!  Esau is upset because he didn’t get something his father was trying to give him in a way that circumvented the righteous action.  I understand why Esau became upset, but he is upset because he was cheated out of his own sinful attempt to cheat Jacob!

Had Isaac accepted the reality that Esau foolishly sold his birthright to Jacob, this scene wouldn’t have happened.  Had Esau not tried to claim what wasn’t his to claim, this wouldn’t have happened.  Had Rebekah had an honorable discussion with Isaac about his decision, this wouldn’t have happened.  Had Jacob tried to get his parents to have an honorable discussion, this wouldn’t have happened.  Everyone is at fault in this story.  It’s amazing how infectious sin becomes when one person uses it against another.