After twenty years of marriage, Isaac and Rebecca have twin sons. Esau, the elder, became a hunter; Jacob, the younger son, was more inclined to remain close to home. Isaac favored Esau, while Rebecca had greater preference for Jacob.

Returning one day from the hunt, a famished Esau traded his birthright (status as a firstborn) to Jacob for a bowl of lentil stew.

Isaac and Rebecca seek relief from famine in Gerar. Isaac presents Rebecca as his sister, just as Abraham had done with Sarah on two previous occasions. This time, however, the truth about their relationship does not lead to expulsion. They are allowed to remain in Gerar and Isaac becomes quite wealthy. His success arouses the enmity of the locals, and their king, Avimelech, requests that they depart.

Esau brings grief to his parents by marrying two Hittite women.

Years later Isaac requests that Esau prepare a special meal for him after which he will confirm his older son’s position as first born. Rebecca overhears her husband’s conversation, and conspires to disguise Jacob as his older brother. While Isaac has some uncertainty as to whom he is blessing, the ruse works because Isaac has become blind in his old age. Jacob receives a blessing for inheriting a fertile land and ruling over nations.

When Esau returns, the plot is revealed. An enraged Esau vows to kill his brother upon their father’s death. Rebecca and Isaac encourage Jacob to leave home and to go to Haran to live with Rebecca’s brother, Laban.

In an effort to appease his parents for marrying Hittite women, Esau also married a daughter of Ishmael.