Original subtitles

[Eliezer] This is your betrothed.

Isaac, son of Abraham.

My purpose is here.

[Rebekah] Isaac, God spoke to me.

We're to have two sons.

He said the elder would serve the younger.

You cannot usurp what is Esau's by birthright.

So says the second-born heir.

Swear to me you will never mention this to either of them.

It is Jacob who must lead.

You must see to it.

[soft dramatic music]

Have you come to join the hunt, brother?

Simon, a bow for Jacob.

It is about time you learned how to use one, brother.

You're supposed to be at council.

It is not high sun.

See that the kills are brought back to camp.

Is Father angry?

He would be had I not made excuses for you.

I do not deserve you, brother.

Beat me back to camp and I will confess all my transgressions.

Huh.

And if you win?

[Esau] What else is there to take?

Hey!

Hyah!

[both] Hyah!

[Esau] Hyah! Come on, come on!

[Esau] Winner takes all.

[Jacob] Go!

-[Jacob] Come on! -[Esau] Keep up!

[Esau] Come on now, brother!

It's an open range.

You cannot claim what belongs to nature!

Abraham himself blessed this land

and granted us grazing rights!

-Your rights died-- -Quiet!

You dare invoke my father's name?

Do you think this is what he'd want?

The petty quarrels, the mistrust?

[Esau] Oh, come on, brother!

Is it the horse who tires or you?

-[Jacob] It's the horse! -[Esau laughs]

-Come on! -Come on!

-Hyah! -You're too slow, Jacob!

[both] Hyah! Hyah!

In the years since our communities came together,

I'd hoped we'd have grown closer.

But our differences seem only more pronounced.

[Esau] Try and keep up, brother.

I was hoping for a race!

-[Jacob] Hyah! -[Esau] Come on!

-Go! Hyah! Hyah! -[Esau laughs]

Separately, we are weak.

We leave ourselves vulnerable to those who want what we have.

But as one nation, we are protected.

We are stronger and richer in every way,

which leaves us with a choice.

Will we grow and prosper together,

be the shepherds of God's promise,

or will we splinter and languish alone?

Draw your borders.

And if you cannot find common ground,

I'll leave you both with none.

Go. Choose.

-Of course. -Yes.

Hyah! Hyah!

Yeah! [Esau laughs]

I win again, brother!

Please, please, you must hear me.

The Hittites, they've plugged up our well with sand.

Our herd won't live to see the new moon.

You must do something.

[Esau] The Hittites?

They are vile but not unreasonable.

I have had plenty of dealings with them.

Father, if you'll allow me.

My son's word carries the weight of my own.

He will see to it.

Tell me about the hunt.

That buck that eluded me the last few days?

-[Isaac] Yes? -[Esau] I found him by the glen.

We'll feast for days, Father.

You fetched him, didn't you?

It shouldn't be my responsibility

to remind Esau of his.

Then stop protecting him.

Leave him to his devices.

Let him succeed or fail on his own.

We know what'll happen.

Then your father will know as well.

What does it matter?

Esau is the firstborn. His fate is decided, as is mine.

It matters.

It matters more each day.

[soft dramatic music]

Esau, he's stepping into the role.

We must support him, both of us.

Even your father saw it.

-But you... -[Isaac groans]

-You refuse. -Not this again.

-I thought we were past this. -You are past it.

I'm forced to confront it at every turn.

You have no idea what it's like

to look at our sons knowing what I know.

To feel responsible and helpless at the same time.

Because my husband denies it.

He denies the will of God.

Forgive me, my love.

How am I to respect your wishes when you ignore mine?

-Where are you going? -My appetite's left me.

-[horse neighing] -[Simon] Help!

Someone get help! It's Esau, he's hurt!

Isaac!

[ominous music]

-[Jacob] Esau! -[horse neighing]

Esau, what happened? Help!

[Esau grunting]

Esau, can you hear me?

-[Rebekah] Who did this? -The Hittites.

I went to talk to them about the well.

I tried to get them to listen,

but that was never their intention.

They mean war.

Then that's what we should give them.

Isaac, no.

Ready the men.

-Oh, no, no, no. -[Esau grunts]

Soon as I am able, we will take the fight to them.

Ah!

All of this over a well?

You saw what they did to him.

They attacked our family!

They attacked the covenant itself!

[frogs croaking]

Why are we speaking alone?

I must know your thoughts about what's to come.

This reeks of a dispute that got out of hand.

In matters of war, we have little experience.

We would lose.

Like your brother, more confidence than we should.

It is not my place to intervene,

nor is it yours.

[Rebekah] There is something I must tell you.

Something I swore to your father I never would.

What is it?

Jacob, when I was pregnant with you, God spoke to me.

He revealed Himself?

What did He say?

That the covenant is meant to pass to you,

not your brother.

I don't understand.

Esau is the firstborn. It's his birthright.

Everyone looks to him as the heir.

Because your father refuses to accept it.

He was chosen over his brother as well.

And it scarred him.

But if God commands it...

Your father's relationship with Him is complicated.

But he needs to see what I see when I look upon you,

what God sees.

Then I must prove it to him.

Show him.

I will go to the Hittites and secure a peace between us.

You'd be risking your life.

For the sake of our people, I have no other choice.

[dog barking in distance]

[horse snorts]

[ominous music]

Who are you and why do you trespass on our soil?

I am Jacob, son of Isaac.

I extend an offer from my father to put aside our differences.

Whatever wrongs exist between us,

let us make them right.

To broker peace.

Will you allow me that?

[Esau] You went behind Father's back and you went behind mine.

-You had no right! -I did what I had to,

to keep this from escalating.

He put his own life in jeopardy,

but you, you'd risk all of us.

You overstepped, both of you.

And now we look weak in the face of the adversary.

Adversary?

You said it yourself, they are reasonable people.

I've come to the same conclusion.

I wonder, was it you that lost your head?

Is that what started all of it?

That's enough! Esau!

And Jacob...

the way this was handled...

I have no words.

The Hittites are open to a resolution.

I'm certain of it.

What was the proposition?

We are to welcome a delegation to join us for a feast.

You invite the enemy for dinner?

Food and wine often pave the road to peace.

This will not end as you hope.

See to the preparations.

Rebekah.

You put him up to this.

You think I don't see, but I see everything.

[lively music, excited chatter]

-[men laughing] -Yeah!

They've come in numbers.

You were clear this was a negotiation?

Yes, but their leader

only wanted to speak to Father directly.

The road to peace seems more like a river.

Yeah, they're more robust than expected.

I'll extend an invitation for formal peace talks

in the morning.

Thank you again for coming.

You're welcome here. You're all welcome here.

I appreciate your hospitality.

Please feel free to make the most of it.

And perhaps, in the morning, you and I could--

-No, enough! -[cup shatters]

-What is it? -I'm not sure.

Enough pleasantries! We've been here for hours!

Is your son going to do the right thing or not?

My son?

I think there has been a misunderstanding.

There's no misunderstanding.

Esau defiles my daughter and sends his brother

to make amends!

You're a coward!

-He is a liar! -Stop it, son.

Look at me.

I want you to swear to me that this is not your doing.

I've never even seen her before.

You will do right by her or I will finish

what we started at the well.

[men shouting]

Enough! Enough!

[Isaac] Stop this! Please, stop this!

[ominous music]

It's done. He'll marry the Hittite girl.

They could have killed you.

I am not the one who invited them here.

You withheld the truth.

All of this happened because you cannot control yourself.

Don't just stand there.

Go, apologize to your betrothed.

[soft dramatic music]

[dogs barking]

[baby crying]

He's hungry.

His cries all sound the same.

How do you know?

It comes with time.

You'll learn.

[baby cooing and crying]

He needs to eat, my love.

Ah, so do I.

[growling]

Your father's unwell.

You're to take his place at council.

I'd had plans to go and hunt near the river.

[Rebekah] You have different plans now.

[Jacob sighs]

[sighs]

These Hittites and their idols.

This is not what my grandfather would've wanted.

If Esau tolerates them, so must you.

-So disrespectful! -You have to listen to me!

It's no business of hers what happens in my tent.

My children hear them.

They're not even married!

Enough of this nonsense!

Leave!

These idols are all over the camp.

They don't even try to hide them anymore.

The Hittites are not God-fearing people.

Watch where you tread!

You speak of Adah's family and mine.

This is a place of civility.

Act like it, both of you.

Yes, little brother.

Do know your place.

That is my place!

-Jacob. -Go on, tell him!

You shouldn't be out of bed.

No, it is good that you are here.

Jacob was about to invite me into a little secret

that both he and Mother share.

He needed to know.

You defied me.

I said my piece and you defied me.

As you defy God!

-Isaac. -[Isaac breathing shakily]

Isaac, speak to me.

I can't-- I can't see.

I can't see!

I can't see.

I have seen this before.

It strikes quickly and resolves slowly,

if it resolves.

It can render you unable to speak or to walk...

Or to see.

Yes.

But he'll improve?

It's possible.

But you must plan as if he won't.

This is our fault.

He has been sick for some time.

But this...

This feels different.

Will you pray with me?

Lord, may your mercy rest upon your servant Isaac,

and restore his body and mind.

May his days still be numerous.

May your power and grace heal and sustain him.

May his continued life bring honor and glory

to your name.

I'm here. I'm here, my love.

I'm here. I'm here.

I know. Come here.

-Is it night? -It's all right.

-It's morning. -Oh, no.

It's morning.

It's all right.

There's so many things I must say to you.

Esau.

I'll send for your sons.

No, no.

Esau.

You can't leave me.

I don't know what I would do.

We cannot wait.

You must receive the blessing.

[Esau sighs]

[Jacob] And the Angel of God came down to Abraham

a second time and said,

"You must leave this land."

[somber music]

Is it the end?

He believes so.

He intends to bless Esau.

He's asked your brother to hunt and prepare a meal for him.

We must get to him first.

You want me to receive the blessing in Esau's stead?

Without his sight, he may not know the difference.

No, if he touches me, he will know.

Let me worry about that.

Has our conspiring not caused enough damage?

It's his resistance that's caused it.

You do believe God spoke to me?

Yes. Yes, of course.

Then you must also accept His word

and act before it's too late.

What if I bring upon myself a curse

instead of a blessing?

You let it be my curse.

I love your father and your brother both.

Do you think I'd suggest such a thing if I saw another way?

Go to the flock.

Fetch one kid for a stew.

Go. Hurry.

[dramatic music]

[arrow thuds, goat cries out]

[bleating]

[music continues]

[children chattering]

Say as little as possible.

Understand?

[music continues]

[Isaac] Who's there?

Esau.

I've done as you asked.

Bring it to me.

[somber music]

Esau.

Let me eat of your game so that I may bless you.

[Isaac grunts]

Come nearer, my son.

[music continues]

May God give you

of the dew of heaven

and of the fatness of the land.

May people praise you

and nations bow down to you.

And blessed be every one who blesses you.

[music continues]

[dramatic music]

Father.

[Isaac grunts softly]

I've returned.

What?

I've done exactly as you asked.

Oh!

[Isaac wailing loudly]

[Rebekah sobbing]

[gasps]

Forgive me.

[horse neighing]

Help me understand.

There's but one blessing?

As it was with Abraham and my father.

Only one can accept the covenant.

Please, I beg you, do not act rashly.

I know it was you.

You left me no choice.

If you believe that, then...

then you, too, are blind.

Esau is the heir, but now Jacob holds the covenant.

Neither are whole.

You deceived me.

And you condemned them both.

I don't need your judgment, daughter.

Had my fill.

Esau and I, our beginning was not... ideal.

But I love him, as he does me.

I know it to be true.

Then I must tell you what he's planning,

because it will only make things worse for him.

Surely I can reason with him.

You will go to my brother in Harran and stay with him.

Until when?

Until Esau's fury subsides.

And if it never does?

This is God's will.

[dramatic music]

I love you.

Go.

Go!

[horse snorts]

[music continues]

Oh, please keep him safe.

All those who seek miracles, fear not!

Your godless champion has arrived!

You sit in my stead? Where is Father?

You're late and you're drunk.

Ah, well, that would explain it.

Come. Learn something.

Your grandfather had me in here when I was your age.

Simon promised to take us on a hunt.

Did he?

Many wait on you, Esau.

Perhaps it's best to get through this without distraction.

Fine.

Go.

Are you getting enough rest?

[Esau exhales] The new baby, he is, uh...

spirited.

You've brought me back from the dead.

Only you live to resent me.

No.

Perhaps for a while.

Hmm, perhaps for a long while.

I've been trapped in this old body so long,

I've had time to think.

And?

What have you arrived at?

I'm as responsible as you are.

Hmm.

[Rebekah] Standing my ground is tearing us all apart.

My beloved husband is fading away.

Jacob is lost to me...

in exile.

I question whether my purpose is worth the cost.

And Esau...

is weak and diminished.

And this is my doing.

I hate to see you like this.

I do love you.

I hope you know that.

Perhaps part of you does.

No one cares about the weight of a mother's blessing...

But I give you mine nonetheless.

May the burdens be lifted from you...

So that you can be the man you're meant to be.

For your children, your wives...

and yourself.

[horse neighing]

[excited background chatter]

What's going on?

A messenger from the road.

He says there's a caravan on the way here.

-From where? -Harran.

Oh, it's Jacob. It's Jacob.

Oh, he's coming home. He's coming home.

[Rebekah crying]

[tense music]

Your mother's waiting for you.

She hopes to quiet your mind.

[music continues]

You have no business being in here.

Has time not healed what was broken, Esau?

I have only ever stood in the way of what he wants.

And now he intends to take it by force.

You don't know his intentions.

And you do?

Even if you did,

I cannot trust you to tell me the truth.

Every morning, I see you standing on that hill,

waiting for him.

Wishing it was him here instead of me.

That's not true.

I promise you, it's not true.

All I've ever wanted was for us to be a family, Esau--

And that can never happen because of you!

It is me or him,

and I will not let him destroy what I have built here.

Is this the life you wanted?

You know nothing of what I want!

He is your blood, and if his return

relieves you, then...

why not welcome it?

Please, Esau.

This is not what God wants.

No. No!

It is not what you want!

And that's all that's ever mattered!

Hasn't it, Mother?

[Rebekah] Please!

[wailing loudly]

Word is he travels in numbers.

There can only be one reason.

To take back what he believes is his.

Then he will pay for his treachery with his life.

[blade thuds]

[horse neighing]

[music continues]

There are women and children among them.

A distraction, nothing more.

[horse grunts]

It's been a long time, brother.

Why are you without weapon?

I'm not here to fight.

I only hope to find favor in your eyes.

I have dreamt of this day.

Do as you must, brother.

For all that I have done, it is your right.

[onlookers chattering]

[music continues]

[Esau clears throat]

[gentle music]

Oh! [Esau chuckles]

It's good to see you, brother.

[horse neighing]

They say you'll step aside.

Yes.

How do you feel?

Free.

Where are you going?

To hunt.

[ominous music]

[indistinct chatter]

[gentle music]

-Good to see you. -Great to see you.

I didn't think I would be here if it ever came to pass.

We're to meet his family, his children.

God has truly blessed us this day.

If you'll excuse me, my love.

I must see about tonight.

Was you, wasn't it?

Don't deny it. I know what you're capable of.

I needn't explain myself to you.

If Jacob's intentions were different,

if he meant Esau harm,

then you would've left my husband defenseless.

What's right and what's fair do not always coincide.

No.

You chose one son over the other.

It was not a choice.

It's what had to be done.

Well, I hope you can live with yourself.

I'm not sure I could.

[Rebekah] I don't expect anyone to understand.

But I've done my best to be your servant.

If I've transgressed, I hope you'll forgive me.

It's taken so long, cost so much.

[Rebekah sobbing]

But we arrived here.

Our family is reunited.

You will be the one to judge me in the end,

but today...

today I have this, and I shall revel in it.

[soft dramatic music]

[dog barks]