Chapter XXXVII: Of the things mystically prefigured in Esau and Jacob explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Sin, Grace, and Redemption

  Jacob's apparent deceit is reinterpreted as a mystery of redemption, with the kid-skins symbolizing Christ bearing the sins of others.

• True Worship and the One God

  The blessing of Jacob is seen as a prophecy of Christ, the true object of worship, and the gathering of peoples into the Church.

• Morality and Virtue vs. Pagan Corruption

  Augustine contrasts the immoderate greed of Esau with the simplicity of Jacob, emphasizing that virtue lies in the heart, not in external actions.

Characters to notice

• Isaac

  Isaac, grown old and blind, blesses Jacob instead of Esau, unknowingly prophesying Christ.

• Jacob

  Jacob, the younger son, receives the blessing through a ruse involving kid-skins, prefiguring Christ bearing the sins of others.

• Abraham

  Abraham is mentioned as the father of Isaac and the one whose sons according to faith adore Christ.

• Jesus Christ

  Christ is identified as the one blessed in Jacob's blessing, now ruling over the nations and the Jews.

Key passages

• “The blessing of Jacob is therefore a proclamation of Christ to all nations. It is this which has come to pass, and is now being fulfilled.”

  Jacob's blessing is actually a prophecy about Christ that has already been realized and continues to be fulfilled.

  Augustine asserts that the Old Testament blessing directly foretells the universal reign of Christ.

• “Who would not rather have expected the curse of an angry man here, if these things had been done in an earthly manner, and not by inspiration from above?”

  One would expect Isaac to curse Jacob for deceiving him, but because the events were divinely inspired, Isaac instead confirms the blessing.

  Augustine highlights the supernatural character of the narrative, showing that it transcends ordinary human reactions.