Isaac and Rebekah had twin sons named Esau and Jacob. Esau was a hunter and loved the outdoors, while Jacob stayed among the tents and was quieter. One day Esau came in from the field very hungry and saw Jacob cooking stew. Esau asked for some stew, and Jacob asked Esau to sell his birthright in exchange for the food. Esau agreed and sold his birthright for a meal (Genesis 25:29-34).

Years later, when Isaac was old and nearly blind, he planned to give his blessing to Esau. Rebekah helped Jacob disguise himself as Esau so that he would receive the blessing instead. Jacob went to Isaac pretending to be Esau, and Isaac gave him the blessing intended for the firstborn son (Genesis 27:18-29).

When Esau discovered what had happened, he became very angry and planned to harm Jacob. Rebekah told Jacob to leave and stay with relatives until Esau's anger cooled. Jacob then left his home and traveled toward Haran (Genesis 27:41-45).