37 But Isaac replied to Esau , "Behold , I have made him your master , and all his relatives I have given to him as servants ; and with grain and new wine I have sustained him. Now as for you then , what can I do , my son ?" 38 Esau said to his father , "Do you have only one blessing , my father ? Bless me, even me also , O my father ." So Esau lifted his voice and wept . 39 Then Isaac his father answered and said to him, "Behold , away from the fertility of the earth shall be your dwelling , And away from the dew of heaven from above . 40 "By your sword you shall live , And your brother you shall serve ; But it shall come about when you become restless , That you will break his yoke from your neck ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 27:37-40
Commentary on Genesis 27:30-40
(Read Genesis 27:30-40)
When Esau understood that Jacob had got the blessing, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry. The day is coming, when those that now make light of the blessings of the covenant, and sell their title to spiritual blessings for that which is of no value, will, in vain, ask urgently for them. Isaac, when made sensible of the deceit practised on him, trembled exceedingly. Those who follow the choice of their own affections, rather than the Divine will, get themselves into perplexity. But he soon recovers, and confirms the blessing he had given to Jacob, saying, I have blessed him, and he shall be blessed. Those who part with their wisdom and grace, their faith and a good conscience, for the honours, wealth, or pleasures of this world, however they feign a zeal for the blessing, have judged themselves unworthy of it, and their doom shall be accordingly. A common blessing was bestowed upon Esau. This he desired. Faint desires of happiness, without right choice of the end, and right use of the means, deceive many unto their own ruin. Multitudes go to hell with their mouths full of good wishes. The great difference is, that there is nothing in Esau's blessing which points at Christ; and without that, the fatness of the earth, and the plunder of the field, will stand in little stead. Thus Isaac, by faith, blessed both his sons, according as their lot should be.