JACOB’S HOUSE – Genesis 27:41- 28:9

The account of Jacob vs. Esau and the events surrounding conflict in Isaac's home dramatically illustrate the principle declared in Psalm 127: “ unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” Isaac intends to give the patriarchal blessing to Esau, though Jacob is the covenant son. Jacob conspires to steal the blessing and through his efforts successfully tricks his father. He will become a fugitive for 20 some years. Rebekah, fearful of loosing both her sons in the fallout of her scheme, convinces Isaac to send her favorite son away for a bride, not knowing she will never see him again. Meanwhile Esau seeks favor with his father by adding yet another wife to his harem from the Ishmaelites, even as he sought to kill his brother for deceiving Isaac to secure the blessing. The house of Isaac is in shambles because none of these characters were trusting the Lord to build it. Consequently their labors proved vain and devastating. Nevertheless, the plans of God are not ultimately threatened by the foolishness of sin. His hand is at work to build Himself a house in spite of these events. In our text today God Almighty intervenes and will soon reveal Himself personally to Jacob. He will build a house in spite of the quarreling and hostility in Isaacs home...