What did Jacob do in the Hebrew Bible?

Answer 1

Jacob, son of Isaac, was the last of the Patriarchs (Talmud, Berakhot 16b). He spent a lot of time in the tents (Genesis 25:27) studying his ancestors' teachings (Rashi commentary, ibid.); and eventually, like Abraham and Isaac before him, reached the level of prophecy, in which God spoke to him and promised His protection (Genesis 28:10-15).
When the opportunity presented itself, Jacob asked his brother Esau to sell him his first-born birthright (Genesis 25:29:34), since he sensed that Esau wasn't pious enough to fully deserve it. Thus began the fulfillment of the prophecy which Rebecca had heard, that Jacob would become the dominant of her two sons (Genesis 25:22-23).
Jacob's life was replete with tribulations. He managed to come out ahead despite the wiles of the deceitful Laban (Genesis 29:25 and 31:41) and the danger presented by the angry Esau (Genesis 27:41 and 32:12). There were painful events with his daughter Dinah (Genesis 34:1-7) and with his being separated for two decades from his beloved son, Joseph (Genesis ch.37); and his wife Rachel died at a young age in childbirth (Genesis 35:16-19).
These troubles were a portent for the tribulations of the Jews in their times of exile. But Jacob received, in prophecy, God's affirmation of His covenant and blessing (Genesis 28:13-14; 35:9-12; 46:2-4), signifying that the exile would eventually end.

Answer 2

Jacob was a grandson of Abraham. They lived in the land of Palestine before it was called Palestine. There were many different peoples in the area; but probably not a real defined 'nationality' as such.

In those early days after the Flood of Noah's days, it was mainly a 'patriarchal' (tribal) arrangement in that area, instead of a 'national' system.

No doubt the different tribes were jockeying for position.

Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, had 12 sons, who formed 12 tribes; they all later became the founder of the Israelite people, which later became a 'nation'.

Answer:

Abraham was the first to be called a 'Hebrew.' As such, his descendants would be also. Genealogically, the nationalities of the various wives of the Patriarchs would share in the offspring's heritage - for instance, Joseph's two sons had an Egyptian mother.

Genesis 14:13New King James Version (NKJV)

13 Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, for he dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre

Answer 3

Jacob was a monotheist, and most Jews consider him to be Jewish, but it's a matter of interpretation.

Answer 4

No. Abraham is considered the first jew.

Answer 5

Yes it is