The Blessing of a Father

Old man Isaac, grisly and dying, told his son to prepare him a savory meal. “I will eat and bless you before I die,” he said in what was likely no more than a whisper—but soft though it was, it may as well have been thunder for the strength of it.

Esau went afield, eager to honor and to be blessed. But while away hunting, Esau’s brother, Jacob, covered in goat’s hair, went to his father to deceive and be blessed.

Those men died, as did their father, as did their sons. And civilizations have flo...