Isaac and Rebekah had twin sons, the hunter Esau and the quiet Jacob, who grew up in a household of divided favorites. Jacob first convinced a hungry Esau to trade his birthright for a bowl of stew, and later, with his mother’s help, deceived his blind, elderly father to receive the primary family blessing. By wearing animal skins to mimic Esau’s hairy hands and preparing a meal for Isaac, Jacob successfully stole the blessing intended for the first-born. This betrayal left Isaac grieved and Esau so furious that he plotted to kill Jacob, forcing the younger brother to flee to his uncle’s house for safety.
