Forgetfulness

Genesis 27:45 - "When your brother is no longer angry with you and forgets what you did to him, I'll send word for you to come back from there."

These are the words of Rebekah to her son Jacob spoken some time after Jacob had stolen the blessing that his father Isaac intended to give to Jacob's brother Esau.

I wonder if Rebekah had memory problems here. First, she seems to have conveniently forgotten that it was her idea to deceive her husband Isaac and take the blessing from Esau.

Second, just how poor of a memory does she think Esau has? Does she really think he'll forget all about this in a few weeks, months, or even years? Even if Esau didn't truly care that much about the blessing (just as he despised his birthright), surely he wouldn't forget about this incident any time soon.

Then again, I wonder if Rebekah did realize this, and this was a tactful way of saying goodbye to Jacob forever. I wonder if she thought she would never see him again. It may be that this was the last time. Looking ahead to the time when Jacob does return, Isaac is found to be alive yet, but no mention is made of Rebekah.