What does the name Jacob mean and how does he live up to that name?BIB 502-2-18-7

That the younger would supersede the elder goes back to Abraham's family. Abraham had a son by the slave Hagar who was probably about 13 years older than Isaac. Isaac was the son of promise by Abraham’s wife Sarah. God's covenant with Abraham was passed to Isaac rather than Ishmael and we see the results of this in the news every day. I have long thought that Jacob got a raw deal when it comes to his reputation in the Bible. When his mother Rebecca was pregnant God told Rebecca “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” Genesis 25:23. Jacob means heel grabber, a well-deserved name. As Rebecca was delivering her son Esau Jacob had a hold of his heel trying to pass him as they exited the womb. Esau (red) became a skillful hunter and Jacob was content to stay close to home. In my opinion, it was always God's plan that He would pass His convenient down to Jacob. Jacob's brother came in from hunting one day and was hungry and gave up his birthright for a bowl of porridge. I’m sure God took note of Esau’s disdain for his birthright and was not surprised by his preferring subsidence for the flesh rather than for the spirit. Later, Isaac wanted Esau to make him a savory stew and bring it to him so that he could give him his blessing. Rebecca knew this was not the plan of God and made a savory stew herself. She then had Jacob dress in Esau’s clothing and added a piece of animal fur around his neck and his arm. Jacob brought the savory stew to his father and his father was a little suspicious until he felt the fur. He then gave Jacob his blessing. Later when Esau brought his father a savory stew he found out that his blessing had been given to Jacob. Jacob fled his home fearing revenge from Esau. Rebecca told Jacob to go to her brother Lehman. Jacob learned the hard lesson of the elder taking precedence over the younger. He worked for Lehman for seven years to earn the right to marry Lehman’s daughter Rachel only to be tricked on his wedding night by the substitution of her older sister Leah. Jacob then worked another seven years to earn Rachel. Between Rachel and Leah and two concubines Jacob had 12 sons and one daughter. And so was Jacob really devious or just doing God’s will? Perhaps a little of both.