So Abraham and Sarah sojourned in the land of promise. They lived in tents, looking for a city. And when, as God had promised, a son was born, they named him Isaac. Isaac produced sons...twins in fact, Esau and Jacob, whose name actually means "heel-grabber" because he was born hanging onto his brother's heel. As a second-born twin, I am not sure it's a compliment to be compared to Jacob, but I do tend to identify with this story. And if you ever want to read a tale of classic sibling rivalry, take a look at this one!

From Jacob was born a third generation of sons, literally by the dozen—which become the 12 tribes of Israel, until Abraham's descendants filled these hills, "As many as the stars of heaven, and as innumerable as the grains of sand on the seashore"...because God always keeps…