Jacob and the Stolen Blessing

The story

The Stolen Blessing. Isaac has grown old and his eyes can no longer see. He sends Esau out hunting and promises to bless him when he comes back. Rebekah has heard everything. She dresses Jacob in his brother’s clothes and covers his hands with goatskin. “Who are you, my son?” “I am Esau, your firstborn.” Isaac touches his hands: “The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are Esau’s hands.” And he blesses him. When Esau comes home, it is too late. He weeps, and Jacob has to go far away from home. Grandma Adjoua tells this story to Kofi and Nia, who has just copied her brother’s voice.

Note for parents. In the Bible, Esau wants to kill his brother. The episode speaks only of his great anger, and says clearly that Jacob’s lie hurt the whole family.

The Bible passage

From the book of Genesis, chapter 27.

Read Genesis 27 in the Bible (New International Version)

In this episode

Each time mark opens the video on YouTube at the right moment.

1. 0:00Under the Baobab
2. 0:42Old Isaac
3. 1:39Rebekah’s Plan
4. 2:43Before His Father
5. 3:43Esau Comes Back
6. 4:46Time to Leave
7. 5:50Night in the Village
8. 6:33The song: Tell the truth

Let’s talk about it

1. Why does Isaac not know at once that it is Jacob?
2. How does Jacob dress up? Who helps him?
3. How does Esau feel when he finds out what happened?
4. Have you ever told a lie? What did it change around you?

To remember: Tell the truth, even when it is hard.

To do: Voice game: one child closes their eyes, another says “hello” in a changed voice. Who spoke? Then draw Jacob on the road, with his staff.

Printables

All the coloring pages and discussion sheets