Jacob
Son of Isaac and twin brother of Esau, renamed Israel after wrestling through the night at the Jabbok. His twelve sons are the ancestors of the tribes of Israel. He ends his life in Egypt with Joseph.
Jacob is the younger twin of Esau, born holding his brother’s heel (Genesis 25:24–26). He gains Esau’s birthright and his father’s blessing (Genesis 25:29–34) (Genesis 27:27–29), flees to Haran, and on the way receives the promise of Abraham at Bethel (Genesis 28:10–15). By Leah, Rachel and their servants Zilpah and Bilhah he has twelve sons (Genesis 35:22–26). On his way home he is renamed Israel (Jacob Becomes Israel) (Genesis 32:28). In old age he goes down to Egypt, where his son Joseph is governor, and is 130 when he stands before Pharaoh (Joseph and the Descent into Egypt) (Genesis 46:5–7) (Genesis 47:9). Before he dies at 147 he blesses his sons and says that the sceptre will not depart from Judah (Genesis 47:28) (Genesis 49:8–10). He is buried in the cave of Machpelah at Hebron (Genesis 50:13).
The prophets use both his names for the whole people (Isaiah 41:8), and Matthew and Luke trace the descent of Jesus through him (Matthew 1:2) (Luke 3:34). His dates are worked out from the Bible’s own figures; see the dating note at the Call of Abraham.
In the timeline
- about 1929 BC to 1909 BC, traditional dateJacob Becomes Israel
Jacob, fleeing his brother Esau, receives the promise of Abraham in a dream at Bethel. Twenty years later he wrestles through the night at the Jabbok and is given the name Israel, which his descendants will bear.
- about 1898 BC to 1876 BC, traditional dateJoseph and the Descent into Egypt
Joseph, sold by his brothers as a slave, rises to govern Egypt and stores grain against a seven-year famine. He is reconciled with his brothers, and Jacob’s whole family settles in the land of Goshen.