Isaac, now advanced in age and gradually losing his eyesight, requests Esau to go out into the fields and hunt some wild game (27:1–4). It is paradoxical that Esau lost his birthright after he returned from a hunt, and he is about to lose the blessing after he leaves for a hunt.

Rebekah suggests that Jacob pretend to be Esau and thus obtain the blessing through deceit (27:5–17). This includes presenting Isaac with some choice delicacies that she will prepare, plus covering Jacob with Esau’s clothes and the exposed parts of his body with goatskins. At no point does Jacob question the propriety of this course of action. He does know that if his disguise fails, it will bring a curse on him (27:12). Rebekah, however, accepts full responsibility if anything goes wrong. Rebekah is very similar…