Jacob and Esau

Isaac and Rebekah had twin sons, Jacob and Esau. Isaac favored Esau and Rebekah favored Jacob.

Isaac grew so old that his eyesight failed him. He called his son, Esau. Isaac said to him, "You can see that I am old now and I may die at anytime. That is why I ask you to do this favor for me. Take your bow and go into the country and hunt some game for me. Use the animal you catch to prepare a meal for me. When you bring me the food, I will give you my special blessing."

Rebekah heard what Isaac said to Esau. She said to her son Jacob, "I overheard your father telling your brother to hunt game and prepare a meal. Then he plans to give Esau a blessing." Rebekah told Jacob what he must do, "Go to the flock and get me two young goats. I will prepare a meal for your father. When you bring him the food, he will bless you."

Jacob replied, "But my brother is a hairy man and I am smooth-skinned. If my father touches me he will know that I am not Esau."

Rebekah ordered, "Just do as I say. Bring me the goats."

Jacob brought his mother the goats and she prepared a meal. Then Rebekah dressed Jacob in Esau's finest clothes. Using the fur from the goats, she covered his smooth skin. Rebekah handed Jacob the meal, and sent him to his father.

"Father," Jacob said.

"Which son are you?" asked Isaac.

Jacob answered, "It is me, Esau."

Isaac said, "Come closer. Let me feel if you are really my son, Esau."

Isaac felt Jacob. Then he said, "Although the voice is Jacob's, the hands and face are Esau's."

Isaac ate the meal and gave his special blessing to Jacob.

Shortly after Jacob left his father, Esau returned home from his hunt. He cooked a special meal and brought it to his father.

Father, please eat this meal and give me your blessing," said Esau.

"Who are you?" asked Isaac.

"It is me, Esau," answered Esau.

Isaac demanded, "Who was it that I already blessed?"

At once, both Isaac and Esau knew that Jacob had tricked them.

-- based on Genesis 27