What does Genesis 27:2 mean?

Isaac, now quite old, has summoned Esau. He calls out to him, and Esau lets him know that he is present. This response is necessary because, as the previous verse explains, Isaac's eyes are dim and he can no longer see.

Now Isaac launches into a prepared speech for Esau, beginning with the reality that he is old and he could die at any time. We will learn that Isaac's intention is to pass on his blessing to Esau before it's too late.

This is the kind of statement that probably should have been made in the presence of both sons. However, Isaac and his wife Rebekah suffer from overt favoritism when it comes to their sons (Genesis 25:28). Isaac probably assumes that if Rebekah knows what is about to happen, she will find some way to interfere. As it turns out, this is absolutely true.

It's also possible, but not stated, that Isaac knows that Esau has sold his birthright to Jacob, and this is an attempt to bless Esau without letting that mistake interfere (Genesis 25:29–34). This motivation is not stated in Scripture, however.