Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai
INTRODUCTION
During the last bible study where we considered chapter 25, we saw how God remained faithful to His promises even after the death of Abraham. We also learned from the life of Isaac that when we recognize destructive cycles, patterns, or generational issues, we have the authority, by prayer and God’s Word to break them.
In today’s study of these two chapters in Genesis, we see two contrasting pictures of a father and son:
In Genesis 26, we see Isaac’s journey of faith—his obedience to God’s Word, his patience amid challenges, and the Lord’s faithful provision. We also see him displaying the same deception his father displayed. And in Genesis 27, we shift to Jacob’s deception where manipulation, dishonesty and fear resulted in family conflict despite God’s sovereign plan. We will from these two parallels learn how
trust in God can bring peace, while distrust in His timing can bring turmoil.
GENESIS 26 – ISAAC’S JOURNEY: TRUST AND PROVISION
• Famine and God’s Instruction (vv. 1–6): God tells Isaac to stay in Gerar rather than go to Egypt; He reaffirms His covenant promises made to Abraham.
• Isaac’s Fear and Deception (vv. 7–11): Isaac lies about Rebekah being his sister, echoing Abraham’s earlier mistake.
• Prosperity Amid Opposition (vv. 12–22): Isaac becomes wealthy; the Philistines envy him and stop up his wells. Isaac keeps moving rather than fighting, finding peace at Rehoboth.
• Covenant Confirmation (vv. 23–25): God appears again, promising His presence and blessing.
• Peace Treaty (vv. 26–33): Abimelech seeks peace; Isaac digs another well called Shibah.
Key Lessons from Isaac’s Journey
1. Obedience unlocks provision – Even in famine, Isaac flourished because he obeyed God’s command to stay (26:6, 12).
2. Faith requires patience – Isaac did not retaliate over the wells; he trusted God to make room for him (26:22). How can we learn to respond with peace instead of retaliation when opposed? Discuss
3. God’s covenant promises are reliable – God reaffirmed His promises in every season (26:3–4, 24).
GENESIS 27 – JACOB’S DECEPTION: BLESSINGS AND CONFLICT
• Isaac’s Plan (vv. 1–4): Isaac, old and nearly blind, calls Esau to prepare food so he can bless him. As discussed during the last study, why would Isaac still have in mind to go against what God had declared about the older serving the younger? Discuss
• Rebekah’s Scheme (vv. 5–17): Rebekah overhears and instructs Jacob to pretend to be Esau to receive the blessing.What do you believe was the reason Rebekah and Jacob chose deception instead of waiting on God and hatch a plan to deceive Isaac. After hearing God declare that the older would serve the younger? Discuss
• The Deception (vv. 18–29): Jacob lies multiple times and receives the blessing. Is this a case of “successfully helping God?” Discuss
• Esau’s Return and Anguish (vv. 30–40): Esau discovers the deception, weeps, and begs for a blessing; Isaac confirms Jacob’s blessing. Do you believe that Esau took responsibility for selling his birthright? Discuss
• Conflict and Separation (vv. 41–46): Esau vows to kill Jacob; Rebekah sends Jacob away to Laban.
Key Lessons from Jacob’s Deception
1. God’s promises don’t need manipulation – God had already declared Jacob would be blessed (Gen. 25:23). How else would this have come to pass if Isaac had pronounced the blessing on Esau? What do we know about how God works? Discuss
2. Deception damages relationships – Jacob’s deception fractured his family and drove him into exile for years (27:41–45).
3. Sin may bring short-term gain but long-term consequences – Jacob received the blessing but fled for his life. What steps can we take to repair relationships damaged by dishonesty? Discuss
CONCLUSION
We see from today’s study the benefits of trusting in God in our daily walk with Him. And even when resources are scarce or opposition is strong, He remains faithful. Shortcuts must be avoided because God’s promises are certain and we end up ruining the process when we try to manipulate situations. Where and how do we draw the line between, contending for a promise (1 Corinthians 16:9, Matthew 11:12), and sitting and waiting for the promise to come to pass (Prov.10:4). Discuss
Prayer: Lord, teach us to trust You like Isaac did in the land of famine, and protect us from the temptation to manipulate situations like Jacob. Help us walk in honesty, patience, and peace, believing that Your timing and provision are always best. Grant us the wisdom to know when to stand still and when to act in faith. In Jesus’ name.
