Ryan: I love the story of Jacob’s “ladder” that he dreams about in Genesis 28 primarily because it is the first messianic prophecy that is fairly overt. There are a couple of others that we’ve passed on the way so far, but they are pretty vague and definitely not very obvious. However, in the story of Jacob’s ladder (which the New International version translates “stairway”, but was even probably more like the steps of a ziggurat [The Archaeological Study Bible, 49]) we see a very clear symbolic dream for which even non-believers can identify the meaning. We have God in heaven and man on the earth, separated by the “heavens” (representing sin) (Genesis 28:12). The stairs on which the angels were ascending and descending obviously represents the thing that God is allowing to bridge himself and man. The Jews saw this as a messianic prophecy, and the Christians see this prophecy fulfilled in John 1. When Nathanael declares Jesus to be the “Son of God” and the “King of Israel,” Jesus confirms the declaration by repeating the prophecy of Jacob’s ladder, but putting himself in the place of the stairway (“Son of Man” was Jesus’ nickname for himself). John 1:49-51.
Samantha: Rebekah thought of everything: the tasty food, the smelly clothes, even the furry goat hair costume. I wonder how long she had been plotting to have Jacob receive his father’s blessing instead of Esau? Did she decide to do it right after Esau married the Canaanite women, who drove her crazy? To me it seems more than coincidental timing that she was eavesdropping just at the moment Isaac instructed Esau to go out and kill some game so that he could receive his blessing (27:5). I imagine her peeking through the tent, and then bolting off to get Jacob the minute Esau left. I would even venture to say she had the stew spices all measured out ahead of time. Jacob seemed rather reluctant to obey her, saying that if he failed he would bring a curse on himself. Rebekah replies with “Just do what I say” (27:13). I wonder how much coaching she gave Jacob as she dressed him in Esau’s clothes, or put the goat skin costume on him; Jacob had all the right answers as Isaac grilled him on his true identity. Isaac’s first clue that there was an imposter asking for Esau’s blessing was how fast the food arrived–not only does hunting take time, but so does stewing the meat. Jacob had a great answer: “The Lord your God gave me success” (27:20). Isaac then asked to touch his son to verify that it was indeed Esau. Enter furry goat skin costume. Still not quite convinced, Isaac asked for him to come near so he could kiss him. Smelling Esau’s manly scent, Isaac was then convinced and gave his blessing to Jacob. Just as she secretly listened to Isaac’s instructions to Esau, I imagine Rebekah listened in as Jacob followed her plan to deceive Isaac.
