Ja'cob, the son of Isaac, the grandson of Abraham, the last of the Jewish patriarchs and the true ancestor of the Jews. Having craftily obtained from the blind and infirm Isaac the blessing of the firstborn in place of his brother Esau, he was obliged to flee from the anger of his brother and took up his abode with his uncle Laban. Here he served twenty years and obtained Leah and Rachel as his wives. On his return to Canaan he was met by an angel, with whom he wrestled all night, and having gained the victory was thereafter named Israel, that is, the hero of God. Hence the Hebrews, from him, are called Israelites. Jacob died, aged 147 years, about 1860 B. C., and according to his wish was buried in the tomb of Abraham, before Mamre in Canaan.