It is frequently noted that, of the triad of Hebrew Patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—there appears to be a shortage of biblical material dedicated to Isaac. This article shows that the 27th chapter of Genesis, though often thought to be concerned primarily with Jacob, actually intends to focus on Isaac, thus alleviating this apparent discrepancy. Noting the chiastic structure of the pericope, the narrative is identified as running from 26:34 to 28:9. With the proper narrative boundaries in view, it becomes evident that it is Isaac and his activities (or lack thereof) as acting patriarch, that drive the events described in this enigmatic text.
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