QT 10/23/2025 Gen 27:41–46, What is prudent and required

Genesis 27:41–46 (ESV) —

41 Now Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him, and Esau said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are approaching; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” 42 But the words of Esau her older son were told to Rebekah. So she sent and called Jacob her younger son and said to him, “Behold, your brother Esau comforts himself about you by planning to kill you. 43 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice. Arise, flee to Laban my brother in Haran 44 and stay with him a while, until your brother’s fury turns away— 45 until your brother’s anger turns away from you, and he forgets what you have done to him. Then I will send and bring you from there. Why should I be bereft of you both in one day?”

46 Then Rebekah said to Isaac, “I loathe my life because of the Hittite women. If Jacob marries one of the Hittite women like these, one of the women of the land, what good will my life be to me?”

 

NOTE: Again, we see humans scheming instead of trusting God. Esau's plan to kill Jacob after his father dies is based on pretty faulty assumptions since Isaac lives another 20-plus years. I'm not sure how old he is at this point, maybe 100-140, but he lives until he is 180 years old.

 

And Rebekah shares her plan with Jacob and then goes to Isaac complaining in such a way that Isaac would send him away. Actually, her concern is valid, but it seems it could have been shared differently. It comes across as whining, in such a way as to force Isaac's hand.

 

But the hand of God is allowing and using these situations for good. Jacob will have a difficult life being used and abused by his uncle. Deals will be circumvented and reinterpreted (the account says 10-plus times), such that Jacob will get a Masters-level course on deception and how it feels to be on the receiving end.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I need to give up on scheming and just start trusting?
2. How can I tell when an action is required and prudent? How do I know when I have gone beyond?

 

PRAYER: Father, give me wisdom to know when an action is just and good. Too often I go beyond prudent. Others exhibit the opposite problem and don't do anything, not because they trust God but because they are lazy. I pray for you wisdom and teaching to penetrate our minds.