Hebrews 11:21

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

Key Reflection

This verse highlights how faith enabled Isaac to bless his sons with prophetic words about their future destinies, trusting God's sovereign plan despite the uncertainty of the present circumstances. Through Isaac’s act of faith, we see a model of obedience and trust in divine revelation, even when faced with complex familial dynamics.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 21. By faith Jacob, when he was a dying. Ge 47:31 Ge 48:1-20. That is, when he was about to die. He saw his death near when he pronounced this blessing on Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph. And worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. This is an exact quotation from the Septuagint in Ge 47:31. The English version of that place is, "and Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head," which is a proper translation, in the main, of the word HEBREW --mittch. That word, however, with different points-- HEBREW --mattch, means, a branch, a bough, a rod, a staff, and the translators of the Septuagint have so rendered it.

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