Thank you for the question on Isaac’s blessing on Jacob, “Even after Isaac realized that Jacob had obtained his blessing through deceit, it remained valid. Why did Isaac not revoke the blessing? Was that not an option? Why not?”
Here are some thoughts for one’s consideration why Isaac didn’t revoke the blessings:
- Isaac heard or knew about the prophecy that God gave to Rebekah that the older will serve the younger (Gen. 25:23).
- Esau is the firstborn son and Jacob was the second son born within seconds of his older brother (Gen. 25:24–26).
- Esau being the firstborn would have the rights of the firstborn. Jacob would have a lesser share of the inheritance. The blessings would be part of the rite of the firstborn.
- Esau “sold” or traded his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of lentil and some bread. Jacob had Esau swear in giving up his birthright (Gen. 25:29–34).
- Isaac heard about Esau surrendering his birthright, but he still wanted to give him the family blessings (Gen. 27:2-4).
- Isaac had doubts about the identity of Esau, but he gave the blessings to Jacob instead of Esau (Gen. 27:18–29).
- Isaac realized that the will of God can’t be changed by man or by him. The prophecy of the older will serve the younger can’t be nullified. Jacob accepts the will of God in this matter (Gen. 27:32–36).
- Esau acknowledges that Jacob’s name is deceiving for he cheated him twice (Gen. 27:36). Jacob lived up to his name in becoming the firstborn and receiving their father’s blessing.
SUMMARY: Isaac realizes the will of God can’t be thwarted by him or by his sons. The older will serve the younger as prophesied by God.