Hebrews 11:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Hebrews 11:20
20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
Chapter Context
Hebrews 11 is a homiletical epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, wisdom. Written during before Jerusalem's destruction (c. 60-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Jewish Christians faced persecution pressure to return to Judaism's legal protections.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Hebrews and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Hebrews 11:20
20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
Analysis
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. Despite being old and blind, Isaac blessed his sons by faith, speaking prophetically about their futures. The Greek peri mellontōn (περὶ μελλόντων, 'concerning things to come') indicates Isaac's blessings weren't mere wishes but prophetic declarations about God's sovereign purposes for his descendants. Though Isaac initially intended to bless Esau, God's elective purposes ensured Jacob received the covenant blessing (Genesis 27).
Isaac's faith appears in his acceptance of God's sovereign choice after discovering Jacob's deception. Rather than cursing Jacob or revoking the blessing, Isaac confirmed it: 'Yea, and he shall be blessed' (Genesis 27:33). This demonstrates faith's submission to divine sovereignty even when it contradicts personal preference. Isaac recognized God's hand overruling his own plans, surrendering to purposes higher than his own will.
This illustrates the Reformed doctrine of unconditional election—God's choice of Jacob over Esau 'not of works, but of him that calleth' (Romans 9:11-13). Isaac's patriarchal blessing carried covenantal authority, transmitting promises from Abraham through the chosen line. His faith believed God's purposes would prevail through his descendants, trusting divine promises regarding future realities he would never see fulfilled in his lifetime.
Historical Context
Isaac lived approximately 1850 BC. Ancient Near Eastern culture invested profound significance in paternal blessings, which conveyed inheritance rights, family leadership, and covenant promises. The firstborn typically received the primary blessing, making Isaac's intended blessing of Esau culturally normative. However, God had revealed to Rebekah before the twins' birth that 'the elder shall serve the younger' (Genesis 25:23), overruling cultural custom through sovereign election. Isaac's confirmation of Jacob's blessing, despite the deception, acknowledged God's predetermined purposes.
Reflection
- How does Isaac's submission to God's sovereign purposes challenge your own response when God's will contradicts your preferences?
- What does this passage teach about God's electing grace working through imperfect human instruments?
- In what ways should faith in God's future promises shape how you invest in the next generation?
Word Studies
- Faith: πίστις (Pistis) G4102 - Faith, belief, trust