Esau’s Anger and Rebekah’s Concern:

Esau harbors resentment toward Jacob for stealing his blessing and vows to kill him after their father’s death. Rebekah learns of Esau’s plan and advises Jacob to flee to her brother Laban in Haran until Esau’s anger subsides (Genesis 27:41-45).

Isaac’s Command to Jacob:

Before Jacob leaves, Isaac calls him and reaffirms the blessing, instructing him not to marry a Canaanite woman but to go to the house of his mother’s brother, Laban, to find a wife (Genesis 27:46-28:1).

Summary of Genesis Chapter 28

Genesis Chapter 28 continues the narrative of Jacob as he leaves home and begins his journey to find a wife, while also receiving God’s promises.

Jacob’s Departure:

Isaac blesses Jacob again, reiterating the covenant promises and instructing him to go to Paddan Aram to find a wife from the daughters of Laban, his mother’s brother (Genesis 28:1-2).

Isaac emphasizes the importance of not marrying a Canaanite woman, reflecting the desire to maintain the covenant lineage.

Esau’s Reaction:

After seeing that Isaac had blessed Jacob and sent him away to find a wife, Esau realizes that his own marriages to Canaanite women displeased his parents. In an attempt to please them, he marries Mahalath, a daughter of Ishmael (Genesis 28:6-9).

Jacob’s Dream at Bethel:

As Jacob travels, he stops for the night at a certain place (later named Bethel) and uses a stone for a pillow. He dreams of a ladder set up on the earth, reaching to heaven, with angels ascending and descending on it (Genesis 28:10-12).

In the dream, God speaks to Jacob, reaffirming the covenant promises made to Abraham and Isaac. God promises Jacob that his descendants will be numerous and that they will inherit the land on which he is lying (Genesis 28:13-15).

Jacob’s Response:

Upon waking, Jacob is filled with awe and recognizes the place as the house of God and the gate of heaven. He sets up the stone he used as a pillow as a pillar and anoints it with oil, dedicating the place to God (Genesis 28:16-19).

Jacob makes a vow, promising that if God will be with him, protect him, and provide for him, then the Lord will be his God, and he will give a tenth of all he has back to God (Genesis 28:20-22).

Key Themes

• Covenant Continuation: Both chapters emphasize the continuation of God’s covenant promises through Abraham, Isaac, and now Jacob, highlighting the importance of lineage and faithfulness to God’s calling.
• Deception and Consequences: The events in Chapter 27 illustrate the complexities of family dynamics, deception, and the consequences of human actions, setting the stage for Jacob’s future challenges.
• Divine Encounter: Jacob’s dream in Chapter 28 signifies a personal encounter with God, marking a turning point in his faith journey and establishing a deeper relationship with the Lord.
• Faith and Commitment: Jacob’s vow reflects a commitment to God and the recognition of His presence and provision, emphasizing the importance of faith in the unfolding of God’s plan.

Genesis Chapters 27 and 28 are pivotal in the narrative of Jacob, showcasing the complexities of family relationships, the significance of God’s promises, and the beginning of Jacob’s journey of faith.