Theme Of Deception In The Bible

When observing the Hebrew Scriptures, one major theme prevalent in the Book of Genesis is deception. Throughout Genesis, many of the Lord’s prophets or “chosen people,” lie, trick, and deceive people into getting what they want. Whenever the Lord’s prophets deceive people, they are committing an act of sin. As the Ninth Commandment clearly states, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16). Therefore, it would make sense for the Lord to punish the prophets. However, the Lord chooses to not only ignore when his hand-picked prophets commit this sin but even rewards them with blessings and curses the people who have been tricked. One reason for the Lord ignoring the prophets deceiving others is because the prophets …show more content…
Abraham’s son, Isaac, prayed for his wife, Rebekah, because she was barren. So, the Lord granted his prayer and so Rebekah conceived. So, Isaac had two sons: Esau, the elder, and Jacob, the younger. The husband and wife were split: Isaac loved his elder son more while Rebekah loved Jacob more. As the two sons grew up, Esau became a strong hunter while Jacob became more shrewd and clever than his brother. Jacob’s cleverness is shown by his acts of deception to multiple people. Jacob’s first act of deception was taking his older brother’s birthright. One day, Esau came back from hunting feeling famished. Jacob negotiated giving food to his older brother in exchange for Esau’s birthright. Esau did not think much of his birthright so he gave it to Jacob without much thought. Time passes and Isaac calls for Esau to hunt game and prepare a meal for him so that he can bless his son before he died. Rebekah overhears Isaac’s conversation and helps Jacob use his father’s blindness to their advantage. She dresses her younger son in Esau’s clothing, dresses his non-hairy skin with animal fur, and gives Jacob a meal for his father; all this so Jacob can receive Isaac’s blessing. Once Jacob fully tricks his father into believing he’s Esau, Isaac gives his son the blessing. A fair Lord would have punished Jacob for not only tricking his brother but also his father. After all, not only did Jacob break the Ninth Commandment but he also broke the Fifth Commandment as well. The Fifth Commandment states, “Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you” (Ex. 20:12). Jacob deceiving his father is the opposite of showing honor. Instead, Jacob’s act of deception towards Isaac shows a lack of respect. However, even though Jacob broke two Commandments, the Lord still blessed him. While Jacob was sleeping, the Lord