When Isaac found out that he had been deceived by his younger son Jacob who robbed his elder brother of his blessings from Isaac, the Bible records that Isaac trembled very exceedingly. Isaac was shaken to the core within that he shook uncontrollably involuntarily. Trembling is a physical response that is evoked when one is in a state of adventure, anxiety or apprehension. No doubt Isaac was in an adventure, not the kind he wanted possibly, for the adventure in which he sought to bless his favorite son (Esau) despite God’s plan, that the elder (Esau) would serve the younger (Jacob) (Genesis 25:23), led to great anxiety and apprehension, that shook him to the core.
Points to ponder:
Isaac attempted to cheat God and was in turn cheated by his own son. Isaac who was not shaken when his father Abraham was about to sacrifice him because of his obedience to God was now shaken because of his disobedience to God. Deception leads to despair and trying to cheat God of his plan is not a trivial matter – it is a trembling matter – a very exceedingly trembling matter. We must submit to God our will, just as Jesus did (Luke 22:42), instead of trying to subvert it and end up trembling very exceedingly with anxiety and apprehension. God’s will is that all must be saved (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9) by believing in his Son, Jesus Christ, as their Savior, Lord and Master (Acts 16:31; John 13:14-17). Are you and I trembling very exceedingly?
Genesis 27:33 (KJV)
33 And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed.