Blessings In Perspective; Toldot

the controversy surrounding jacob’s theft of esau’s blessing from isaac should not be taken in isolation. generational blessing controversies tell us much about the character of those making the blessings.

in chayeih sarah, there is the first generational blessing genesis 25:5 has abraham giving all of his possessions to isaac. abraham also gave gifts to the children of his concubines as well. genesis 25:6. this passage does not note that abraham blessed isaac. shortly thereafter, however, the torah provides that “god blessed his son isaac”. genesis 25:11.

at the time abraham distributed his wealth and possessions, he had additional nal children from his new wife keturah and his first born son via his concubine hagar was still alive.

was the generational blessing done through the master of the universe? abraham’s was fragility was a divine concern? abraham’s level of righteousness concerned the master. with the plan to destroy sodom and gemorrah, the master of the universe was torn as to whether it should be disclosed to abraham. likewise, abraham had endured much controversy with his two first born children. ishmael, the first born his concubine hagar, per the instruction of sarah, was sent away. isaac, his first born from sarah, was ordered to be sacrificed as a test of his faith. with all of this emotional baggage, one could appreciate that abraham may have found a blessing more troubling than the distribution of his wealth.

isaac’s decision to bless esau was far less emotionally challenging. he liked esau. he liked the “bad boy.” esau was the first born. isaac, however, suffered from a lack of courage and vision. he knew esau was a problem. it was reported that esau took two wives and that “they were a bitterness of spirit to isaac and to rebekah.” genesis 27:34-35. isaac’s blindness may have been more than physical but also relating to his decision making and future planning.

isaac represents the successful individual who has a blind eye towards his legacy. on the one hand, he is doing things as they are intended; on the other, he is disregarding his family’s future.

the last remarkable generational blessing is from jacob to joseph’s children. with jacob and his blessings to ephraim and manaseh, jacob deviated from blessing the first born. when joseph attempted to correct his jacob’s blessing, “his father refused, and he said, “i know, my son, i know; he too will become a people, and he too will be great. but his younger brother will be greater than he, and his children[‘s fame] will fill the nations.””

with jacob, he intentionally deviated from the tradition for the purpose of placing his legacy onto a child whom he best felt would carry on the legacy. in doing so, however, he gives the child not receiving the blessing to receive a positive affirmation. he will also be great!

in sum, the torah’s generational blessings reveal many concepts concerning leadership. emotionality can be paralyzing. the commitment to doing the right thing may be blinding. courage “to do the right thing” can sometimes require diplomacy. thus, there is much to be learned and emulated from each of the patriarchs and matriarchs.

be well!!