What Are We “Putting On”? Reflections from Genesis 27:14–17
Today’s reading from Genesis 27:14–17 brought into focus a troubling downward spiral inside Isaac and Rebekah’s home—a spiral of distrust, manipulation, and intentional deceit. What stands out most is the partnership between Rebekah and Jacob. Rebekah masterminds the plan; Jacob willingly participates. Together, they scheme against their own family . When we look closely, Moses highlights three deliberate actions Jacob performs, and five intentional steps Rebekah takes. Rebekah, especially, keeps putting things on Jacob—layer after layer—so he can appear to be someone he is not. 1. She puts on Esau’s best clothes so Jacob smells like Esau. 2. She puts on goat skins over Jacob’s smooth arms and neck so he feels like Esau. 3. She puts the prepared food and bread into Jacob’s hands so he can serve Isaac like Esau. This repeated phrase— “she put… she put… she put…” —isn’t accidental. It becomes a picture of someone intentionally clothing another person in falseho...