I grow up in a neighborhood in Delaware where practical jokes weren’t limited to April Fool’s Day. Meanwhile, when I first joined the Boy Scouts, I fell for the old Snipe Hunting trick. I was so eager to catch one, I’m sure the regulars were busting out in laughter once I was out of sight. When Isaac realized that he was tricked into giving Jacob and not Esau his blessing, I can sense his emotions: who, where, what?
As soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob and Jacob was scarcely gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, Esau his brother came in from his hunting. 31 Esau had also prepared savory food and brought it to his father and said to him, Let my father arise and eat of his son’s game, that you may bless me. 32 And Isaac his father said to him, Who are you? And he replied, I am your son, your firstborn, Esau, Genesis 27:30-32.
When I was an upperclassman in high school, many of my friends were sarcastic, often speaking in puns to outdo the other. However, playing a trick on your own aging father is what I call going outside the lines. Sure, it may be enjoyable to poke fun at Uncle Joe from time to time, but he’s, our president. Therefore, current events should be taken more seriously so we don’t end up like Isaac’s response to Esau’s return, shocked and stunned.
Then Isaac trembled and shook violently, and he said, Who? Where is he who has hunted game and brought it to me, and I ate of it all before you came and I have blessed him? Yes, and he shall be blessed. 34 When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried out with a great and bitter cry and said to his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father! 35 [Isaac] said, Your brother came with crafty cunning and treacherous deceit and has taken your blessing, Genesis 27:33-35.
Back when comedy was allowed on television, TV fathers would leave subtle hints with their children, “if you keep doing that, I’m going to have a heart attack.” As for Isaac, Moses describes his condition similar to someone about to go pass out. While Rebekah and Jacob’s trick was successful, it was cruel to play on an old man who was nearly senile. This event serves as a reason why children should honor their parents, especially as Father’s Day draws near.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 