Of the readings in the
Revised Common Lectionary for 17 January 2014 (Friday before the Second Sunday after Epiphany), I chose to reflect on Genesis 27:30-38.
“Do you have only one blessing, my father? Bless me too, my father!” Genesis 27:38b
Sometimes I have to wonder at why certain choices were made to be included in the lectionary. I think that the intent here was to end with Esau's question of Isaac and thus lead into the idea that Jesus is a blessing for those who were not previously blessed. Yet ending the reading at verse 38 and not continuing on distorts the whole context here. After all, the 'blessing' that Isaac does give Esau in the next two verses which are not part of the reading is decidedly second-rate, even third rate.
The story of Esau does fit into a general theme of stories from the Hebrew Testament. It is better to be a wily second-son than an arrogant presumptuous first-son. For your wily younger brother is likely to get the inheritance you thought would be yours.
