Isaac's wife Rebekah was barren, and he entreated the Lord in her behalf, and as a result she conceived (Genesis 25:21). Before they were born, the Lord selected Jacob as Isaac's successor in the Abrahamic promises (Genesis 25:21-23; Romans 9:9-12). Jacob subsequently,

1. purchased the birthright of Esau (Genesis 25:24-34)
2. and also cheated him out of the patriarchal blessing (Genesis 27:1-40).

Jacob was sent away to Haran (Genesis 27:41-46; 28:1-7). On this journey the two great promises were renewed to him (Genesis 13:1-3; 28:10-15). Esau settled in Mount Seir (Genesis 36:8; Deuteronomy 2:1-5). Jacob remained in Padan-aram twenty years (Genesis 29:1-15; 31:36-41), and then returned to Canaan (Genesis 31:1-55; 35:27). Jacob was the father of the twelve patriarchs (Genesis 35:21-26; Acts 7:8).