Biography
Jacob was born to Isaac and Rebekah after Esau, grasping his brother's heel . He bought Esau's birthright and later received Isaac's blessing through Rebekah's plan .
On the way to Haran, Jacob dreamed of a ladder reaching to heaven, and Yahweh promised him land, offspring, and blessing for all families of the earth through his offspring . In Paddan Aram he married Leah and Rachel and fathered sons who became heads of Israel's tribes .
God changed Jacob's name to Israel after he wrestled through the night . Near the end of his life, Jacob blessed his sons, and the line traced here continues through Judah . Matthew places Jacob before Judah in the genealogy of Jesus .