Facts: Isaac, now old and blind, calls to his older son Esau to hunt game. Isaac wants to eat and bless Esau before he dies. Rebekah overhears Isaac say this to Esau and then tells Jacob, her other son, that he must hunt the game to get the blessing from his father. Rebekah tells Jacob to get her two kid lambs so she can cook for Isaac. Jacob then tells his mother that Esau is a hairy man and that he is smooth of skin. He says that Isaac will know that Jacob was the one who is being blessed because of the way his skin feels. To confuse Isaac, Rebekah dresses Jacob in Esau’s clothing. The plan works and Jacob receives his father’s blessing. Esau is hurt by his brothers deceit, he both pretended to be the eldest, and stole the blessing away. Esau’s duty and obligation is now to Jacob. Esau hates Jacob. He is aware that his father is going to die soon so once that happens he wants to kill Jacob. Rebekah is informed this and warns Jacob to run until he is free of Esau and his plans.

Observations: Jacob gathers chickens instead of lambs showing his immaturity. Rebekah openly favors Jacob. The comparison of smooth to hairy skin between brothers shows age difference. Isaac is blind.

Ideas: The smooth versus hairy skin could show the comparing of age/masculinity between the brothers. The story is showing what it means to be a man. This story shows the gender role of women in the bible at this time. (villain, spiteful, cunning.)