Genesis 27:25 Commentary and Bible Study

Despite his various tests, Isaac did not discern that it was Jacob before him, and so proceeded to bless Jacob, thinking it was Esau. He is ready now to eat the game prepared for him, which will be his own arranged prelude to the blessing. The meal stands for all that he appreciates in his elder son. Isaac is still able to enjoy a good meal and wine. He calls his son to come near, that he may kiss him, but secretly intending to apply one further test. All this Rebekah had anticipated in the disguise she had designed for Jacob. She knew her husband well after so many years of married life. Isaac’s sense of smell had not gone either and he smelled the earthy smell of Esau’s clothing, which seemed to him an unmistakable confirmation. Again he declares what it is that makes him favour Esau. He is a man of the fields, the outside and the open places, a hunter. There is a personal attraction towards this son and a respect for him which Isaac does not feel towards Jacob, a man who lives in tents. In his mind Isaac tries to justify what he is doing by linking the Lord’s blessing on his elder son with his own blessing of Esau (as he thought).