From Deception to Trust

Jacob was the younger of the two sons of Isaac and Rebecca. Esau was the elder one who was the rightful heir to his father’s blessings according to the Hebrew culture at that time.
Esau and Jacob were brothers with different temperament and talents. Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the open country while Jacob was a quiet man staying in the house.
One day Jacob overheard his old father asking Esau to go into the forest and hunt some wild game for him and cook it for him. Isaac wanted to bless Esau before his death as was the culture at those days.
Jacob was the pampered boy of Rebecca. So mother and son decided to play a trick and get Esau’s blessing from Isaac through deception. Now Esau was a hairy man whereas Jacob had less hair on his body. Isaac was an old man with weak eyesight so together they planned to deceive Isaac.
As soon as Esau left for the forest, immediately Jacob brought a young lamb and his mother cooked it very deliciously, then Jacob took some animal skin and covered his hands and face which would give an impression that he was Esau.
Then quickly he went near Isaac who was lying in the bed and presented the deliciously cooked dish to his father. Old and worm Isaac was surprised that Esau could make it so quickly. When he asked, Jacob lied to him saying that his skill made it easier for hunting in less time. Then Isaac was doubtful about his voice. Once again Jacob lied to his father saying that he was having a cold, therefore his voice was different. When Isaac touched Jacob’s shoulder, Jacob pretended to be Esau and finally succeeded in convincing Isaac that he was indeed Esau.
Isaac, enjoyed the food and then he laid his hands on Jacob and pronounced on him with all kinds of blessing for prosperity, health and happiness. Jacob felt great. Then before Esau’s return, Jacob quickly packed his bag and left home. His mother sent him faraway to his bother’s village. He must have congratulated himself for being a smart guy. Jacob went on his way happy and feeling secure.
Jacob settled down in another place. Jacob used his deception tactics a few times to gain more wealth. He succeeded too and thought that he can get away with it. His health anf family grew.
Years passed then one day, his deception was uncovered by his uncle with whom he was living with his big family. Fearing that he would be punished by his uncle and his household, Jacob, ran away from that place along with his family, servants, money and cattle. But on the way, he started feeling afraid. He was frightened to meet his own brother Esau whom he had deceived years ago. Jacob lost his peace and was worried to death.
In the middle of his journey, God met him but Jacob did not realize it. He mistook the divine form to be a mere human being and started wrestling with him. After wrestling for a long time, Jacob realized that he was indeed in the presence of supernatural power. Jacob lost his confidence. He was already paralyzed with fear and anxiety so he cling to God and pleaded Him to bless him.
God was merciful to him because he had asked Him for bless him instead of deceiving people for his gain. From then on Jacob’s name was changed. He went and asked forgiveness from his brother. He was called “Israel”. Jacob changed his ways and trusted God for his blessings and he went on to become a great nation chosen by God.
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