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NASB | Genesis 27:33 Then Isaac trembled violently, and said, "Who was he then that hunted game and brought it to me, so that I ate of all of it before you came, and blessed him? Yes, and he shall be blessed." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Genesis 27:33 Then Isaac trembled violently, and he said, "Then who was the one [who was just here] who hunted game and brought it to me? I ate all of it before you came, and I blessed him. Yes, and he [in fact] shall be (shall remain) blessed." |
Bible Question:
Thank you Tim and Mark for your responses. Please consider further thoughts and questions. First, Note how the TEV translates the verse: “Afterwards, you know, he (Esau) wanted to receive his father’s (Isaac, by implication) blessing; but he was turned back, because he could not find any way to change what had been done, even though in tears he looked for it.” The TEV seems to suggest that a reason outside of Esau was why he could not obtain back the blessing; that is, he could find no way to undo the blessing given to Jacob. Said another way, it might be that Esau was unable to: (a) get back his birthright (b) change Isaac’s mind and, thereby, retrieve the blessing. In both cases, the text seems to suggest to me that the blessing was irretrievable, not by virtue of Esau, although he caused its forfeiture, but ultimately because God would not remove it from Jacob to whom it had already been given by Isaac, and Isaac's refusal to change it was in recognition of God's mind in the matter. Does this make sense? Does such an interpretation as I suggest seem compatible with the text, at least, as an alternative interpretation? Second, Tim, you said, "God is not mentioned in these verses..." I agree. But neither is Isaac except by implication (cf. Interlinear). It seems an analogy is being made between those who fail to receive God’s grace (vs.15-16) and Esau’s failure to receive the blessing. Could it be that the neglect to make mention of Isaac was because the author of Hebrews was seeking to direct the reader to the ultimate cause of blessing (or cursing), that is, God? Third, Mark noted (ID# 185033) that, “Esau makes his appeal to Isaac, so I would answer that it was Isaac's repentance, change of mind, that Esau sought. Isaac demonstrated the belief that this blessing followed an established order that once given it remained.” I can agree that it was Isaac’s “repentance” that Esau sought. However, that does not seem to exclude the idea that the text is attempting to show that the blessing was irrevocable on God’s part, thus making God the reason why Esau was rejected. Further questions: 1. Mark: Was this “established order” determined by culture or God? And, in either case, did Isaac believe that God would rigidly follow the “established order”? 2. Mark, if you are correct, and Isaac believed the blessing was irrevocable, was it not because he knew God would not change his mind? 3. If question two is answered “yes”, then can one still not say that, although “repentance” may refer to Isaac, he reflects God’s will in the matter? 4. Therefore, would it still be fair to say that the reason why Esau did not obtain the blessing was not because his repentance was not genuine but because God forbid the blessing administered by Isaac to Jacob to be rescinded. 5. Finally, does my interpretation of the text violate either the context or Greek grammer? How? All other responses are welcome, especially one who has knowledge of Greek. |
Bible Answer: hello atdcross; warm welcomes! You wrote: "I can agree that it was Isaac’s “repentance” that Esau sought." Well I came up with the same answer but a diferant approach I thought it might me interesting to look at. I hope you don't mind. I'm just having some fun. Gen 27:4 and prepare a savory dish for me such as I love, and bring it to me that I may eat, so that my soul may bless you before I die." Apparently Isaac didn't intend to follow God's plan to bless Jacob, I guess it looks like Isaac didn't really believe God. He apparently intended not to honor God's plan to bless Jacob. Then we have this. Mal 1:3 "but I have hated Esau, and I have made his mountains a desolation and appointed his inheritance for the jackals of the wilderness." Esau was no Friend of God. In fact that is the only time we hear mention of God Hating anyone. Now thats quite a statement God makes about Easu. And it gives us a pretty good idea about Easu's character. Never mind everything els we read about him. How can we say that Esau sought God's Repentance when he obviously didn't give a hoot about God. He was a worldly selfish man, who wanted a blessing from Isaac. Gen 27:34 When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried out with an exceedingly great and bitter cry, and said to his father, "Bless me, even me also, O my father!" Gen 27:36 Then he said, "Is he not rightly named Jacob, for he has supplanted me these two times? He took away my birthright, and behold, now he has taken away my blessing." And he said, "Have you not reserved a blessing for me?" Gen 27:38 Esau said to his father, "Do you have only one blessing, my father? Bless me, even me also, O my father." So Esau lifted his voice and wept. Me, me, my, me, me, my, my, me! Sounds like the ramblings and whining of a spoiled brat! don't you think? And besides not only did Isaac not believe God. But Jacob evidently didn't believe God, and by the way neither did Rebekah believe God. The whole family was suffering from theodisfuntionalism! I know thats probably not a word but I had fun. How can we reasonably say, that Easu, even had any Idea what was on God's mind. The guy couldn't buy a clue! God was the last thing on that old boys mind. So, my friend I would have to say that; Easu most defiantly 'was,' seeking Isaac's repentance. I'm sorry, I don't Know any greek. When studying I find it sometimes better to put content over context or gramer. two ways, one answer. Hope your having fun as-well. God bless. stj |