Jacob (a)

Jacob is a patriarch from the Bible stories Bernard Walton tells at Whit's End, best known as the father of Joseph. Born a twin, he feuded with his brother Esau even before their birth. He traded a bowl of stew for Esau's birthright. Later, with goatskins on his smooth arms, he tricked his blind father into giving him the blessing meant for Esau. He fled from Esau's anger, and out under the stars God met him in a dream of a staircase crowded with angels. He worked seven years to marry Rachel, only to find her father Laban had switched brides on the wedding day. He eventually returned home with two wives, a large family, and great flocks. He favored Joseph among his twelve sons and gave him a beautiful coat of many colors.