I think there is a message about “blessing” here—the entire Jacob narrative begins and ends with blessing (ends with Esau’s final meeting with Jacob/Israel near Peniel).

However, while this makes a wonderful illustration of the need for parental blessing, I really don’t think it’s the point of the narrative.

I still like Smalley & Trent’s treatment of the blessing (I’ve utilized their observations/suggestions as I raised my now adult children from infancy)—but I agree with some of the comments that this is not quite the same thing.