Clearing the Air
Undoubtedly, at the conclusion of this entire episode, Rivka must have finally explained her actions to Yitzchak. Now, after hearing the details of God's earlier prophecy to Rivka, Yitzchak finally realizes that only one son, Yaakov, is to be chosen. To his dismay, he now accepts the fact that the bechira process must continue into yet a third generation.

Therefore, before Yaakov departs to Padan Aram in search of a wife, Yitzchak grants him one last blessing. Here, we find the classic blessing of bechira:

Note once again the key phrase - "zera v'aretz" - of the bechira blessing! This blessing is quite different from the original blessing which Yitzchak first intended to give Esav (27:28-29). In contrast to a bracha of prosperity and power, we now find the familiar concept of God's special nation inheriting a special land.

[If you have been following the shiur, you should now ask, "How can Yitzchak grant a blessing of bechira - is that not God's decision?" The answer, however, is quite simple. Read 28:3 carefully - "v'kel sha-kai y'varech otcha...." Yitzchak is not granting Yaakov the bechira. He is blessing Yaakov that God should grant him the bechira - and that's exactly what takes place a few psukim later at the beginning of Parshat Va'yetze!]

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