This verse is a crucial part of the story of Jacob's deception in Genesis 27. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Context: Isaac is old and blind. He intends to bless his elder son, Esau, but his wife Rebekah and younger son Jacob conspire to trick him into blessing Jacob instead. Rebekah helps Jacob disguise himself to resemble Esau.
Isaac's Request: Isaac, suspicious that the person before him might not be Esau, asks Jacob to come closer so he can feel him.
Purpose of Feeling: Isaac is using touch to try and determine if the person is truly Esau. He knows Esau is hairy, while Jacob has smooth skin. The disguised Jacob is wearing Esau's clothes and has goat skins on his hands and neck to mimic Esau's hairiness.
Uncertainty and Suspicion: The verse highlights Isaac's uncertainty. He's not entirely convinced that the person speaking to him is Esau. This sets up the tension in the following verses as he tries to decide who is really standing before him.
In essence, this verse shows Isaac attempting to verify the identity of the person claiming to be Esau through a physical test because his eyesight is failing. It underscores the deception being perpetrated and the vulnerability of the aging and blind Isaac.
This verse is a crucial part of the story of Jacob's deception in Genesis 27. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Context: Isaac is old and blind. He intends to bless his elder son, Esau, but his wife Rebekah and younger son Jacob conspire to trick him into blessing Jacob instead. Rebekah helps Jacob disguise himself to resemble Esau.
Isaac's Request: Isaac, suspicious that the person before him might not be Esau, asks Jacob to come closer so he can feel him.
Purpose of Feeling: Isaac is using touch to try and determine if the person is truly Esau. He knows Esau is hairy, while Jacob has smooth skin. The disguised Jacob is wearing Esau's clothes and has goat skins on his hands and neck to mimic Esau's hairiness.
Uncertainty and Suspicion: The verse highlights Isaac's uncertainty. He's not entirely convinced that the person speaking to him is Esau. This sets up the tension in the following verses as he tries to decide who is really standing before him.
In essence, this verse shows Isaac attempting to verify the identity of the person claiming to be Esau through a physical test because his eyesight is failing. It underscores the deception being perpetrated and the vulnerability of the aging and blind Isaac.