- Isaac married Rebekah and they had twin sons named Esau and Jacob, with Esau born first and entitled to the birthright of a larger inheritance and special blessing from Isaac. Jacob wanted the birthright for himself. When Esau was hungry, Jacob traded him food for the birthright. Later, Jacob tricked their father Isaac into giving him the blessing meant for Esau. Through Jacob's family, God's promise of a savior would be carried out. Jacob later wrestled with God and was given a new name, Israel, meaning "he who wrestles with God," which became the name of God's chosen people. Jacob and Rachel had 12 sons from whom came the Twelve Tribes of Israel.