Isaac, now an old man, is preparing to leave this earth; but not before blessing his children. He asks for one last taste of his favorite dish - roast venison (a man after my own heart!). Esau, the woodsman, is dispatched to find and prepare this meal and the blessing will be given him afterwards. Jacob, with the help of his mother, prepares the meal and disguises himself to pass as Esau to his aged father's eyes. Isaac eats, blesses and is totally deceived by his younger son. Esau returns to find that not only does his brother have his birthright, but his blessing as well. The hostility is so great that Jacob is forced to leave to avoid bloodshed.
Even in this, God is accomplishing His purposes. While on the run, Jacob encounters God one evening and is reminded of the blessings promised to his father and grandfather. He is privileged to take his place in this line of family blessing; and names the place of the encounter Bethel (house of God). He promises that if God will allow him to return to this place, he will sacrifice and offer 1/10 of his possessions as an expression of love and thankfulness.
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