Jacob's destiny seems set in a prophecy given to his mother, Rebekah (Genesis 25:23), or at his birth and naming (Genesis 25:26). Esau's destiny seems set, too, in that same prophecy or later in life when he valued his birthright too little (Genesis 25:33) and married Hittite women (Genesis 26:34). Apparently, Esau failed to see the importance of his position as firstborn son and the significance of his lineage to his family's tribe.
Yesterday's reading, Genesis 27, told how Jacob and Rebekah had conspired to steal Esau's blessing. The conspiratorial plan worked to perfection. Jacob received a rich blessing from his father; and Esau got a "leftover" blessing. Esau became so angry he plotted to kill Jacob. Rebekah learned of the plan and responded with further planning of her own: She would send Jacob away to safety among members of her family of origin.
In the reading for today I see something I hadn't noticed before: Isaac blesses Jacob a second time (Genesis 28:1). The old man is aware of Jacob's deception and presumably aware of Rebekah's role, too. Yet, before Jacob goes away to his mother's people, Isaac blesses his younger son again. Maybe Isaac sees the hand of God in the turn of events, or perhaps he senses the inevitability of Jacob's favor, especially since Isaac is dying and Rebekah cares more for Jacob than for Esau.
A final note: Esau makes a "sour grapes" move. Upon learning that his parents despise Canaanite women, he deliberately seeks for one to wed (Genesis 28:8-9). Esau's progeny will be borne by Hittite and Canaanite mothers!
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