Jacob

Also known as: Israel · Family: Abraham's family · Role: Isaac's younger son · First appears: Genesis 25

Jacob, also known as Israel, was Isaac’s younger son in Abraham’s family. In Genesis 25, he was born holding Esau’s heel, and Esau sold him his birthright for bread and lentil pottage: “and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.” Rebekah loved Jacob, and in Genesis 27 she directed him to receive Isaac’s blessing. Isaac blessed him with abundance, dominion over his brothers, and God’s favor, but Esau hated him and resolved to kill him, so Rebekah sent Jacob to Laban in Haran. On the way, God promised him land, descendants, protection, and the blessing of Abraham; at Bethel, Jacob set up a pillar, called the place God’s house, and vowed to serve God.

At Padanaram, Jacob worked for Laban, loved Rachel, and agreed to serve seven years for her. Laban deceived him by giving him Leah first, then gave him Rachel after Jacob fulfilled Leah’s week and agreed to serve another seven years. Leah bore Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah; through Bilhah came Dan and Naphtali, through Zilpah came Gad and Asher, and Rachel bore Joseph and later Benjamin. Jacob’s flocks and possessions increased, and after God commanded him to return, he secretly left Laban with his household. Laban overtook him at mount Gilead, where they made a covenant.

Returning toward his family, Jacob sent messengers and gifts to Esau, who came with four hundred men. Jacob wrestled through the night with God, suffered a dislocated thigh, and received the name Israel: “Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel.” At Peniel he declared that he had seen God face to face and lived. Soon afterward, Esau embraced and kissed him, and the brothers wept together. Jacob settled at Succoth and Shalem, built an altar to God, and later returned to Bethel, where God again blessed him as Israel. After Isaac died, Jacob and Esau buried him together. Jacob favored Joseph among his children, made him a coat of many colors, and sent him to his brothers; when Joseph’s coat was brought back, Jacob believed he had been devoured and mourned him for many days.