Genesis 27-28
This passage provides a compelling example of how family divisions—caused by favoritism, deception, and rivalry—can lead to lasting consequences. The story of Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Esau teaches us valuable lessons about the dangers of a fractured household.
Summary
Isaac’s eyesight suffered as he got older. He called for his eldest son, Esau, and asked him to hunt for him and cook the animal the way he liked it. (Remember that Isaac loved that Esau was a hunter). Isaac stated he would bless him before he died. Esau agreed.
Rebekah, Isaac’s wife, overhead this conversation and informed their other son, Jacob. They schemed to dress Jacob up as Esau, Rebekah would cook an animal the way Isaac liked, and Jacob would present it as Esau so that he could receive Isaac’s blessing. The trick worked, and Isaac unknowingly blessed Jacob thinking it was his first born.
Esau was so upset; he vowed to kill Jacob after Isaac passed away. Rebekah overheard Esau’s vow and warned Jacob. She told him to leave town until Esau calmed down. Isaac told Jacob not to marry a Canaanite woman, but to go to Rebekah’s brother’s home and marry one of his daughters. After learning that Isaac didn’t prefer his sons to marry Canaanite women, Esau married another woman that was not of Canaanite ascent (Ishmael’s daughter, Mahalath).
Jacob left Beersheba to travel to Haran. On the way, he fell asleep on a stone and had a dream of angels going up and down a ladder. At the top of the ladder, the Lord stood and told Jacob that Jacob and his descendants would be blessed. When Jacob woke, he was afraid. He poured olive oil on the stone and named it Bethel. Jacob vowed that the Lord would be his God if He gives him bread to eat and clothes to wear. Jacob will give God one-tenth of all He gives Jacob.
Sidebar
Families are meant to be a source of love, strength, and unity. When division takes root, the effects can be profound and far-reaching. If my son were to ask who my favorite child is, him or his sister, I can honestly say neither. I joke and say, “it depends on the day,” but I truly love both children equally. Rebekah’s actions in Genesis 27 does not resonate with me at all.
Favoritism can tear families apart. Isaac favored Esau, while Rebekah favored Jacob. This preferential treatment created tension, leading Rebekah to orchestrate Jacob’s deception to steal Esau’s blessing. Instead of a family working together, they were competing against each other, resulting in broken trust and emotional pain. Jacob’s deceit caused Esau deep sorrow and anger, leading him to plan revenge. This ultimately forced Jacob to flee for his life, severing their relationship for years.
This kind of division can still be seen in modern families. Whether through favoritism, unresolved conflicts, or lack of communication, a house divided against itself cannot stand (Mark 3:25).
Some negative consequences of favoritism include an unfavored child feeling defeated, depressed, unmotivated, resentful, and jealous. An unfavored child may also act out and indulge in inappropriate ways to garner attention. They can feel a lack of self-acceptance. On the other hand, a favored child may feel entitled or even anxious and insecure, knowing they are not necessarily earning the title of “favorite child.”
In order to foster unity in the family, parents should be fair and reflect on potential biases. Recognize that each family member is unique and brings their own strengths to the family. Each child deserves the same level of care, attention, and opportunities. They deserve to be supported and respected, regardless of their behaviors and personalities.
Intention
Embrace love, understanding, and grace. Strive for unity in the family by spending time all together (e.g., eating dinner most nights together or attending events together). Also, consider spending equal amounts of alone time with each child to connect adequately with your children on an individual basis.
