Today we get to know Abraham’s grandchildren even better and you probably won’t like what you see. Remember how deception was both Abraham’s and Isaac’s Achilles Heel? Today it comes back around in a fury.

In the first half of today’s reading Isaac is old and looks like a dupe, but there’s more to it than that. First, he obviously loves his wife and wants to please her. For example, right after Rebekah’s and Jacob’s treachery to get Jacob the birthright, Rebekah then wants to get Jacob safely away from his brother. So, she throws a fit about Esau’s Hittite wives. This gets Isaac to take Jacob aside and recommend that he head back to Haran to find himself a wife. This would be cute in another context – an older couple that has figured out how to get things done.

Second, and more important, it is not a failure of character to be deceived. Isaac might look weak, but he’s also being wronged. He would obviously know about the insane jealousy between his twin boys, so perhaps he should have been more cunning, but he wants to be able to trust his family.

In the second half of today’s reading, the camera follows Jacob to Haran (which is in modern-day Syria). Here we are reacquainted with Laban, Rebekah’s brother, who is now in charge of the family. If you think the deception has been bad to this point, you ain’t seen nothing yet. The promise that the LORD gives to Jacob on the journey fades into the background once Jacob gets to work in Haran.

Now, I’m going to warn you about something: You might not like any of these characters after today’s reading. In fact, you are allowed to not like them. They are characters in God’s story, but the story is not ultimately about them.

You might also be bothered by the favor that the LORD pours out on Jacob as he flees, but remember, there were two sons to choose from. And one sold his birthright for a bowl of stew. The author’s commentary on this is that Esau despised his birthright. Heavy words that will haunt both of their futures.

And while Jacob seems to get away with his conniving, The LORD is still “The God Who Sees.” Watch how the LORD responds to Leah’s plight at the end of our reading.

This week’s verse is Galatians 4:28: Now you brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.

Genesis chapters 27 to 29. Now let’s read it!