Of the Biblical Patriarchs, Jacob is the most mysterious. Possessing neither the faith nor virtues of Abraham, Jacob is chosen to be the bearer of Divine blessing and the father of Israel. His character emerges through a series of deceptions, intrigues and conflicts which cast serious doubt on the wisdom and appropriateness of God using Jacob as his prophet. A casual reading of the text would indicate that God is rather wary of being too intimately involved in Jacob's schemes and deception. God, who was Abraham's constant companion and guide, now appears to be standing on the sidelines, ca…
