This verse is part of the story of Isaac, Jacob, and Esau, which describes the conflict between two brothers over their father's blessing. In this particular passage, Isaac is blessing Jacob, whom he believes to be Esau, his firstborn son. The blessing is a significant event in the story, as it determines the course of events for both Jacob and Esau.
The blessing that Isaac gives to Jacob is a prayer for prosperity and abundance. The phrase "the dew of the sky" refers to the idea of moisture or rain that comes from the heavens and nourishes the earth, while "the fatness of the earth" refers to the fertility of the soil and the abundance of crops. The reference to "plenty of grain and new wine" further emphasizes the idea of prosperity and abundance.
The passage reflects the belief in the ancient world that prosperity and fertility were signs of God's favor and blessing. The blessing that Isaac gives to Jacob is therefore a reflection of his belief that God will provide for his needs and grant him prosperity.
In addition to reflecting the belief in the ancient world that prosperity and fertility were signs of God's favor and blessing, this passage is also significant in the story of Jacob and Esau because it shows the role of deception in obtaining blessings. Jacob, with the help of his mother Rebekah, has disguised himself as Esau in order to trick his father Isaac into giving him the blessing intended for his older brother. This act of deception has far-reaching consequences for both Jacob and Esau, leading to a lifelong rivalry and estrangement between the two brothers.
Furthermore, the passage may also be interpreted as a prophecy about the future prosperity of Israel. The abundance of grain and new wine that Isaac blesses Jacob with can be seen as a symbol of the rich agricultural land that Israel was blessed with, which was crucial for their survival as a people. The phrase "God give you" emphasizes the belief that it is God who is ultimately responsible for providing for his people and granting them prosperity.
In the broader context of the book of Genesis, the story of Jacob and Esau highlights the idea of God's sovereignty and the importance of his plan for the lives of his people. Despite the deceit and rivalry between the two brothers, God ultimately uses them to fulfill his purposes and to bring about his plan for the nation of Israel. The blessings that Isaac pronounces upon his sons reflect this overarching theme of God's sovereignty and the belief in his ultimate control over the affairs of the world.
The verse sits inside a larger blessing. Isaac went on, “Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers,” and ended with words that echo God’s promise to Abraham: “Cursed be everyone who curses you. Blessed be everyone who blesses you” (Genesis 27:29; compare Genesis 12:3). Before the twins were born Yahweh had already said, “The elder will serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23), so the blessing confirmed what God had purposed, even though it was obtained by deceit. When Esau came, Isaac could only answer with the same images: “of the fatness of the earth will be your dwelling, and of the dew of the sky from above,” adding, “you will serve your brother” (Genesis 27:39-40). Centuries later Moses pictured Israel dwelling “in a land of grain and new wine. Yes, his heavens drop down dew” (Deuteronomy 33:28), the very gifts Isaac had asked God to give.
Overall, Genesis 27:28 is a passage that emphasizes the idea of God's blessing and provision. It highlights the importance of prosperity and abundance in the ancient world and reflects the belief that God's favor is reflected in the material blessings that he bestows upon his people.
Genesis 27:28. God give you of the dew of the sky, of the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain and new wine.