Daily Devotional | Goats and Deception

In Snowdonia National Park in Wales, several people reported hearing repeated cries on the mountain slopes for help, so a rescue team was sent out to investigate. The rescuers soon discovered that the region’s wild goats were mimicking human voices—it was a false alarm! Goats are known for their deceptive ways, and so we may not be surprised to find mentions of goats (and deception) in the book of Genesis. Jacob used goats in his scheme against his Uncle Laban (Gen. 30:31–43). Joseph’s brothers dipped his garment in goat’s blood to deceive their father into thinking Joseph was dead (Gen. 37:31–35).

In today’s passage, Genesis 27, we encounter one of the most famous stories of deception. Isaac, who was old and nearly blind called for Esau, his eldest son, to give him his blessing. He instructed Esau to hunt game and prepare a savory meal, after which he would bestow his blessing upon him. Rebekah, Isaac’s wife, overheard this and devised a plan for her favored son, Jacob, to receive the blessing instead.

Rebekah told Jacob to fetch two young goats from the flock, which she prepared as Isaac liked. She then dressed Jacob in Esau’s clothes and covered his hands and neck with the goats’ skins to mimic Esau’s hairy body. When Jacob brought the food to his father, Isaac blessed Jacob, believing him to be Esau. Thus, Jacob received the blessing intended for Esau, securing the inheritance and the covenant promises of God to Abraham, but also causing a serious rift between him and his brother.

Jacob’s deception with the goats reminds us of the complex nature of human actions and their far-reaching consequences. Thankfully, the account of Jacob and Esau eventually led to a moment of reconciliation in Genesis 33.