Jacob Story Line

Story Line

Twin sons, Esau and Jacob, were born to Isaac and Rebekah. Esau, the firstborn, sold his birthright to Jacob (Genesis 25). Residing in Gerar, Isaac felt threatened and deceived Abimelech saying Rebekah was his sister (26). Later Jacob and Rebekah deceived Isaac and stole the family blessing from Esau (27). Jacob fled from his brother (28) and lived for an extended period of time with his uncle Laban in Haran. Jacob eventually married Rachel and Leah, the daughters of Laban, and had many children (29-31). Rachel became the dominant wife. Laban grew jealous of Jacob because his flocks increased at Laban's expense. So Jacob felt compelled to leave Paddan-aram with his family and considerable belongings. Returning to Palestine he wrestled with God (32), then he met up with Esau (33). He and his family settled in Palestine, but tried to remain separate and distinct from the Canaanites who lived in the land, as the story of Shechem illustrates (34). Jacob journeyed to Bethel and settled there (35).