Isaac and Rebekah have twin sons. Esau is born first, with Jacob following while grasping his brother’s heel. As they grow, Esau becomes a skilled hunter while Jacob is associated with life among the tents.

One day Esau returns exhausted from the field and asks for some of the stew Jacob is cooking. Jacob demands Esau’s birthright in exchange. Esau agrees, swears an oath, eats, and leaves. Genesis says he despised his birthright.

Years later Isaac is old and his eyesight has failed. Believing his death may be near, he asks Esau to hunt game and prepare a meal so that he can give him a formal blessing.

Rebekah overhears and develops another plan. She prepares food, dresses Jacob in Esau’s clothing, and covers his hands and neck so that he will feel hairy like his brother.

Jacob enters his father’s room pretending to be Esau. Isaac is suspicious because the voice sounds like Jacob, but the clothing and disguised hands persuade him. Isaac eats and gives Jacob the blessing associated with abundance, rule, and family prominence.

Esau returns soon afterward and discovers what has happened. His anguish is intense. He begs for another blessing and begins planning to kill Jacob after Isaac dies.

Rebekah learns of the threat and sends Jacob away to her family. What began with rivalry in the womb has now fractured the household.

The story does not present Jacob’s path as morally uncomplicated. The promises associated with him move forward through a family marked by favoritism, bargaining, deception, grief, and consequences that will follow Jacob for years.