Jacob, in the book of Genesis, was the son of Isaac and the father of 12 sons and at least 1 daughter by his wives Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah. According to the Bible, Jacob’s sons were the founders of the 12 tribes of Israel. Some scholars believe these idealized family relationships really reflect complex patterns of tribal settlement and migration. Whatever the actual historical background, Jacob’s character, with its conflicting dimensions, has come to stand for and embody the characteristics of the entire people called Israel.
Jacob bought his older twin brother Esau’s birthright with a bowl of stew (Gen. 25:29-34). Later, at the urging of his mother, Rebecca, Jacob enforced his claim by pretending to his blind and aged father that he himself was Esau. Thus, he obtained from Isaac the words of blessing Isaac had meant for Esau (Gen. 27). Esau was so angry that Jacob fled for his life.
On the way to his uncle Laban, Jacob slept at a place called Bethel, where he dreamed of a wonderful ladder between heaven and earth. In the dream, God promised to protect and bless Jacob and one day bring him home (Gen. 28:11-17). Much encouraged, Jacob went on to Laban’s home. There he fell in love with Laban’s daughter Rachel. But Laban forced Jacob to marry his older daughter, Leah, before he could have Rachel for his wife. After working 20 years for Laban, Jacob left for home in Palestine with all his wives and their children.
On his way home, Jacob wrestled with a man who he discovered was God or, according to some scholars, an angel (Gen. 32:22-32). At the end of the encounter, Jacob received God’s blessing and a new and more religious name–Israel. The name has been said to mean “he who strives with God” or “God strives.” The name has also been interpreted as meaning “May God rule.” Jacob spent his last years in Egypt, where his son Joseph brought him to live.
