What does Genesis 27:4 Mean?

Context Summary

This chapter narrates a sad story of the chosen family. Esau is the only character which elicits universal sympathy. Isaac appears to have sunk into premature senility. It seems hardly credible that he who had borne the wood for the offering up Mount Moriah, and had yielded himself so absolutely to the divine will, would have become so keen an epicure. He could only be reached now through the senses. Perhaps this was due to the prosperity and even tenor of his life. It is better, after all, to live the strenuous life, with its uphill climb, than to be lapped in the ease of the valley. The birthright had been already promised to Jacob, and there was no need for him to win it by fraud; and Rebekah was truly blameworthy in that she deceived her husband, showed partiality toward her children, and acted unworthily of herself. Who would have expected that out of such a family God was about to produce the religious leaders of the world! Pharaoh would one day crave a blessing from those kid-lined hands! [source]

Chapter Summary: Genesis 27

¹  Isaac sends Esau for venison
⁶  Rebekah instructs Jacob to obtain the blessing
¹⁴  Jacob, feigning to be Esau, obtains it
³⁰  Esau brings venison
³³  Isaac trembles
³⁴  Esau complains, and by importunity obtains a blessing
⁴¹  He threatens Jacob's life
⁴²  Rebekah disappoints him, by sending Jacob away