Hebrews 11:20

Hebrews 11:20

By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

a. NLT: It was by faith that Isaac promised blessings for the future to his sons, Jacob and Esau.

  

b. NIV: By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.

c. YLT: By faith, concerning coming things, Isaac did bless Jacob and Esau;

d. Amplified Bible Classic: [With eyes of] faith Isaac, looking far into the future, invoked blessings upon Jacob and Esau.

1. “By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.”

a. [By] faith [Strong: 4102 pístis, pis'-tis; from 3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself:—assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.]

b. Isaac [Strong: 2464 Isaák, ee-sah-ak'; of Hebrew origin (H3327); Isaac (i.e. Jitschak), the son of Abraham:—Isaac.]

c. blessed [Strong: 2127 eulogéō, yoo-log-eh'-o; from a compound of G2095 and G3056; to speak well of, i.e. (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper):—bless, praise.]

d. Jacob [Strong: 2384 Iakṓb, ee-ak-obe'; of Hebrew origin (H3290); Jacob (i.e. Ja`akob), the progenitor of the Israelites:—also an Israelite:—Jacob.]

e. and [Strong: 2532 kaí, kahee; apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:—and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

  

g. Esau [Strong: 2269 Ēsaû, ay-sow'; of Hebrew origin (H6215); Esau, an Edomite:—Esau.]

h. concerning [Strong: 4012 perí, per-ee'; from the base of G4008; properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive case denoting the subject or occasion or superlative point; with the accusative case the locality, circuit, matter, circumstance or general period):—(there-)about, above, against, at, on behalf of, × and his company, which concern, (as) concerning, for, × how it will go with, ((there-, where-)) of, on, over, pertaining (to), for sake, × (e-)state, (as) touching, (where-)by (in), with. In comparative, it retains substantially the same meaning of circuit (around), excess (beyond), or completeness (through).]

i. things to come [Strong: 3195 méllō, mel'-lo; a strengthened form of G3199 (through the idea of expectation); to intend, i.e. be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probability, possibility, or hesitation):—about, after that, be (almost), (that which is, things, +which was for) to come, intend, was to (be), mean, mind, be at the point, (be) ready, + return, shall (begin), (which, that) should (after, afterwards, hereafter) tarry, which was for, will, would, be yet.]

  

1). The events mentioned here concern Isaac blessing Jacob and Esau (Genesis 27:1-40). I have not studied this out but it seems to me that Rebekah’s behavior, to ensure Jacob would get the Covenant blessing was motivated by the word of the LORD she received when in a difficult pregnancy with the two children.

a). Genesis 25:22, 23  And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD.

25:23  And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.

2). Add to the equation that Esau thought very little of the birthright. The Scripture says that Esau “despised” his birthright (Genesis 25:29-34).