For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
Jacob wants the special blessing meant for his brother — and he and his mother come up with a plan to trick his old, blind father. It causes a heartbreak that splits the family.
Today's Story
Isaac was very old and nearly blind. He wanted to give his special father's blessing to his older son, Esau. So he sent Esau out hunting to make him a meal first.
But Rebekah, their mother, loved Jacob more and wanted HIM to get the blessing. So she made a plan to trick Isaac. She cooked the meal, dressed Jacob in Esau's clothes, and even put goatskins on his arms so he'd feel hairy like Esau.
Jacob went in to his blind father, pretending to be Esau. “Are you really Esau?” Isaac asked, a little suspicious. “Yes,” Jacob lied. Isaac felt the hairy arms, smelled Esau's clothes, and believed him. So he gave Jacob the blessing meant for Esau.
Jacob had barely left when the real Esau walked in. When they realized what had happened, Isaac trembled, and Esau cried out loud — a deep, sad cry. The blessing had already been given; it couldn't be taken back.
Esau was so hurt and angry that Jacob had to run far away to keep the peace. The trick got Jacob the blessing — but it cost him his home, his brother, and years away from his family.
Lies and tricks might seem to “win” for a moment. But they hurt the people we love, and they hurt us too.
A Big Word
Talk About It
- Jacob lied to get something he wanted, and it hurt everyone. Have you ever wanted something so much you were tempted to be sneaky to get it?
- The trick “worked,” but Jacob lost his brother and his home. Can you think of a time a shortcut or a lie made things worse, not better?
- Rebekah helped Jacob trick Isaac. When someone we love asks us to do something wrong, what should we do?