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