Jacob (1994) - full transcript
In the land of Canaan lives Isaac, son of Abraham, with his clever, strong-willed wife Rebekah and his twin sons Esau and Jacob. The first-born, Esau, is a strong and fearless hunter with a voracious appetite for sensual pleasures. Jacob is a shepherd, more tender and compassionate than Esau. Just as Esau is the pride of his father, so is Jacob the apple of his mother's eye. Rebekah is convinced that Jacob, though the second born son, is the chosen one and the rightful heir of Isaac and Abraham. And she tells him that when she was with child, God announced to her: "Two nations are within thy womb. Two manner of men shall be delivered to you. The one shall be stronger than the other and the elder shall serve the younger". One day Esau returns from a hunt to find Jacob preparing a lentil porridge. Famished, he asks Jacob for some food. Jacob agrees, but on one condition: that Esau sell him his birthright. Since Esau ascribes little value to its meaning, he readily agrees and they conclude the pact. Time has passed. Isaac has grown old and nearly blind. It is time to pass on his paternal blessing to the firstborn. He asks Esau to hunt and prepare some game for him, after which he will give him his blessing. Rebekah knows she must act now. Cornering Jacob, she pressures him into deceiving Isaac so that he obtains the blessing instead of Esau. Jacob resists, but when Rebekah vows to take the blame for this ploy, he finally consents. And thus does Jacob trick his father. When Esau returns from the hunt and appears before his father, he explodes in anger when he learns of the scheme. Having obtained only a lesser blessing from Isaac, he vows to kill Jacob as soon as his father passes away. Isaac, following Rebekah's suggestion, advises Jacob to flee to Harran, to the home of Laban - Rebekah's brother, and to ask him to marry one of his daughters. Laden with gold, silver, skins, spices and oils, Jacob sadly leaves his home and his loved ones. Soon, however, he realizes that he is being followed: a Canaanite, one of Esau's brothers-in-law, robs him of the treasure that was to be his dowry. One night, as he is asleep, Jacob has a vision of a stairway with angel-like figures on it. During this vision God promises him protection and prosperity. The next morning, Jacob swears to remain faithful and devoted to God. After an arduous journey, Jacob arrives in Harran. Haggard and drained of his strength, he immediately forgets his fatigue when he sees a pretty young girl at the fountain. The girl is Rachel, the youngest daughter of his uncle Laban. And Jacob falls head over heels in love with her. Though Laban greets his nephew heartily, he cannot conceal his disappointment that Jacob has arrived without any gifts. Laban's two sons, Morash and Be'or, are less delighted by Jacob's arrival. Jacob soon asks Laban to let him marry Rachel, and he even accepts Laban's rigorous conditions: that Jacob become his indentured servant for a full seven years. Jacob proves to be a singularly successful herdsman and contributes mightily to the welfare of Laban's people. Thus after seven years, Laban is unwilling to let him leave and devises a cunning scheme... When Jacob awakens on the morning following the consummation of his marriage with Rachel, he is horrified to discover that he has slept with Rachel's older sister Leah instead. Laban forced Leah to take her sister's place in the dark tent. As Jacob rages, Laban claims that according to the law of the land, a father must marry off his older daughter first. He is willing, however, to make Jacob another offer: for another seven years in his service, he can take Rachel as his wife in one week's time. And again, Laban and his people enjoy seven more years of rich harvests and expanding flocks, all thanks to Jacob's superior abilities. But while the unloved Leah bears Jacob many children, Rachel, his one and only love, remains barren for many years, until Joseph finally sees the light of day. After his second period of indenture is over, Jacob strikes another deal with Laban, whereby he is allowed to assemble his own herd. His prosperity soon sparks the envy of Laban's sons Morash and Be'or, who accuse Jacob of deceiving them and of stealing their property. Jacob decides it is time to move back to Canaan, and flees with his wives, children and servants. As soon as Laban hears about their escape, he rounds up his sons and his men and gives chase. He finally meets up with Jacob on Mount Gilead. But before he can reach Jacob, God appears to Laban and warns him not to harm Jacob or his people. Jacob's most grueling ordeal, however, still awaits him: his meeting with his brother Esau. Fearing that Esau still intends to kill him, Jacob sends messengers with gifts to his brother to announce his coming. The messengers return sooner than expected, reporting that Esau is already on his way to meet him - with 400 armed men. Jacob sets up camp on the banks of the river Jabbok. That night, while his people await Esau with fear and trembling, Jacob withdraws to collect himself on the other side of the river. There Jacob is attacked by a mysterious being whom he cannot identify. It is an angel. As the struggle intensifies and the angel realizes that he cannot subdue Jacob, he strikes him fiercely on the hip. But Jacob, who gradually realizes who his adversary is, continues to grapple with him and refuses to relinquish his hold until the angel has blessed him. Ultimately the angel yields and gives Jacob the blessing together with the new name of "Israel". He thus confirms Jacob's right to the blessing which he originally obtained by deceit. The following morning, as Esau's army approaches, Jacob gathers his people behind him and awaits his brother. As Esau arrives at the head of his troops, Jacob humbly throws himself at his brother's feet. Esau breaks the tension by coming towards Jacob with open arms and welcoming him home. Reconciling their past differences, Jacob and Esau embrace.
[wind whistling]
[camel grunts]
[camels grunting]
[yells]
(man)
I can't see!
(Isaac)
Esau! Behind you.
[tent flapping]
(Esau)
Not that loose.
(Esau) let it bend with
the wind, not break.
[sheep bleating]
[sheep continue bleating]
Is Abraham safe?
Yes. His tent is
out of the wind.
You go on ahead.
I'll make sure
the wells are capped.
We don't want them
full of sand by morning.
[shepherd chattering]
[sheep bleating]
Oh, help me! Help me!
[camel grunting]
(man) Just leave him!
Just leave him!
[rain pattering]
(Rebekah)
That took long enough.
Where are the boys?
One fights the storm
to save the wells.
The other is
with his grandfather.
Blessed art thou,
O Lord our God,
King of the universe,
Who brings forth the bread
from the earth.
Amen.
[sheep bleating]
Ah, Esau always stalks
the finest in the herd.
He never takes
the easy kill.
The people of Abraham
need more than
a strong arm in their leader.
I know
I'm from a different tribe--
Now don't start, woman.
[rain pattering]
Esau is the firstborn.
(Rebekah)
Jacob came second,
But he was clutching
his brother's heel.
He tried to get out first.
But it was Esau the hunter
who was first.
And then Jacob.
One, a man of action...
And the other,
a man who cares about
the tribe.
(Isaac)
Now, that is enough.
I think Abraham
hears god's voice
whenever the wind blows.
God speaks to all of us.
Yes,
but we don't all hear him.
Blessed art thou,
O Lord our God,
King of the universe
Who brings forth the bread
from the earth.
Amen.
Do you hear him?
(Jacob)
Hear god's voice? Me?
I often feel
there's someone watching.
Do you know what I mean?
I do. I feel it all the time.
But it always turns out to be
a Canaanite woman,
following me
like a lovesick cow.
[Esau and Isaac laugh]
And you encourage them.
You'll end up with
a Canaanite wife.
I could do worse.
Pickings are slim
in our camp.
[sheep bleating]
[grunts]
Here.
Let's find some shade.
(Jacob)
You go on.
Jacob, my son is dying.
My firstborn.
[sobs]
[wheezes]
[mumbles]
Be strong, Elon.
The God of Abraham
watches over you.
[bird twittering]
[bird screeching]
God of Abraham,
protect and keep this,
your servant.
Mmm, smells delicious.
That's quite a prize
I stalked him half the day.
...Even for
a hunter like you.
There's only one greater
pleasure, believe me.
[laughs]
You should come with me
to the Canaanite women.
That's a thrill
even you could enjoy.
Perhaps I already have.
You might enjoy it more
if your head was clear
And you knew who
you were lying with.
You talk like an old woman
stirring her porridge.
Well, porridge has its uses.
(Esau)
I'm hungry. Give me some.
No. It's for Gaham's boy.
He's sick.
Damn you!
I brought home enough meat
for the entire tribe.
Don't I deserve
a little porridge?
I tell you,
it's for Gaham's boy.
There's enough
for both of us.
Then wait.
Don't just think of yourself.
[lamb bleating]
You think I'm stupid,
don't you?
No,
but you're very uncaring.
You're the firstborn.
Firstborn be damned.
What does that mean?
Just a bit bigger share
of what father leaves us.
If your inheritance
means so little to you,
And your hunger
is so desperate,
give it to me.
And in return, you can take
all the porridge you want.
Done.
No, it's not that easy.
Swear it.
Swear by the God of Abraham.
That in return
for the porridge,
I give up my inheritance.
The inheritance of the firstborn
to you, my brother Jacob.
[pot thudding]
Did you pair as many animals
as you'd hoped?
Yes, mother.
By spring,
we'll be overrun with lambs.
We've never had a better man
tending the flocks.
Not difficult to persuade
animals to couple, mother.
Nor some men.
(Jacob)
I won't speak against Esau.
He married
outside our tribe.
And now he's building
a stone house,
like the Canaanites.
How's father?
His eyesight is worse.
(Rebekah)
And I know he's in pain.
[camel grunting]
Esau?
No, father. It's Jacob.
Ah.
Do you think Esau is too busy?
For you, father? Never.
I'll fetch him.
Esau!
Father wants to see you.
[women giggling]
Well, what do you think?
You should build one
for yourself.
A stone house?
No, Esau.
I'm not a Canaanite.
[laughs]
(Isaac) Hairy, just like the
animals that fear your bow.
[Isaac panting]
I'm an old man, Esau,
And the hour of my death
is near.
No, father.
No, listen.
Listen to me.
Take your bow,
Find some game,
the finest in the herd,
(Isaac) prepare it,
and then bring it to me.
(Isaac)
When I've eaten my fill, then,
Then, I'll give you
my paternal blessing.
(Esau)
No, father.
It is time. Don't argue.
Do as I say.
Or I'll be gone
And you'll no longer
have the chance.
Quickly! Get Jacob.
Tell him to come here
at once.
God intended you
to continue Abraham's line,
Not Esau.
Really?
He told you so, did he?
When I was with child,
I was in great pain.
I sought the counsel of God.
"2 nations are within your
womb," I was told.
"2 manner of men
shall be delivered to you.
"the one is stronger
than the other
And the elder shall serve
the younger."
You are the one
who pleases god.
You must understand that.
No.
I can't do that to Esau.
I've already taken
his inheritance as firstborn.
That's enough.
Really? You feel no call?
You never sense a presence
at your shoulder?
Fetch me 2 young goats.
I'll prepare a meal
for your father.
You can take it to him.
He's nearly blind.
He'll bless you.
No.
Don't you want
the elder son's blessing?
Don't you want to carry on
the line begun by Abraham?
Not by deception.
All that counts
is that you do it.
Esau will turn us
into Canaanites.
Do as I say.
This is God's will.
(Jacob) mother, can any
good come from this?
(Rebekah)
This must be God's wish,
Or he would've made you
the hunter
And Esau the one who cares.
[groaning]
It won't work.
He'll feel my arms
and know it's not Esau.
Quiet. It will work.
Father.
I'm here.
Is it Jacob or Esau?
Your firstborn.
And I've done as you wished.
I've brought you the food.
Come closer.
Closer, my son,
so that I may touch you.
Take the food
that I prepared for you
And then you can give me
your blessing.
(Isaac)
The arm is the arm of Esau,
But the voice
is the voice of Jacob.
Are you truly my son Esau?
Yes, I am
your son.
Come near, my son,
and kiss me.
Yes, you are truly Esau.
(Isaac) God give you
the dew of heaven,
The riches of the earth,
Grain,
and new wine in plenty.
May people serve you
and nations bow down to you.
May you be lord over
your brothers
And may your mother's sons
bow down to you.
Cursed be those
who curse you,
And a blessing on those
who bless you.
[sighs]
Who's that?
It's me. Esau.
Come, sit up and eat.
Then you can give me
your blessing.
Why are you feeding me again?
I've blessed you already.
Who was it
who brought food to me?
Jacob.
Damn him!
[pot shatters]
First,
he takes my birthright.
Now he steals
my blessing.
Esau, my son,
what have I done?
Have you no blessing
left for me?
I've given him everything.
I've made him your master.
But you must
bless me instead.
But I blessed him.
And he must remain blessed.
God saw me bless Jacob.
He allowed it to happen.
I--I cannot change that.
Then bless me, too.
Bless me, too.
[sobbing]
You shall enjoy
the riches of the earth
And the dew of heaven.
But you will live
by the sword.
You've deceived me
once too often.
I'll have your heart
before sunrise.
You care nothing for us.
Nothing for who we are!
(Jacob) I deserve
the blessing of the firstborn!
[grunting]
(Rebekah)
Jacob!
Stop! Stop it!
(Rebekah)
Esau!
Would you curse
your father's last days
by murdering your brother?
[grunts]
(Esau)
I give you warning.
Our father's days
are numbered.
And once he's been
properly mourned,
I'll kill you, brother,
and never shed a tear.
You die the day
after he does.
You must leave here, Jacob.
You must move on.
I'm not afraid of Esau!
Do as I say,
or he will kill you.
Then they will kill him!
I don't want to lose 2 sons
in one day.
(Rebekah)
Your father wants you. Hurry.
Do as he tells you!
He wants to send me away.
Is that why he blessed me?
(Isaac) It is time
you were married, Jacob,
But not to
a Canaanite woman.
You must go to Padanaram
and find a wife there.
One of
the daughters of Laban,
Your mother's brother.
Now, Jacob,
May God bless you.
May he make you fruitful
and increase your descendants
until they become
a community of nations.
(Isaac) May he bestow
on you and your offspring
The blessing given to Abraham
So that you can
possess the land
where you are now living,
The land God gave to Abraham.
[sheep bleating]
A special gift
for your bride.
[sniffs]
(man)
He's taking a rich dowry.
Are you just going to
let him go?
These are
my father's last days.
(Esau)
I can't harm Jacob.
What hurts you hurts me.
You're my brother-in-law.
I cannot have his death
on my head.
Of course not.
[wind whistling]
[bird calls]
[camel grunting]
[hooves clomping]
[bird screeching]
Esau.
[camel grunts]
[camel grunting]
[continues grunting]
[camel snorting]
[donkey braying]
[continues braying]
[donkey screeches]
[camel grunting]
[bird caws]
(voice)
I am the Lord,
The God of Abraham
and your father, Isaac.
I will give this land to you
and your descendants.
They will be as
countless as the
specks of dust
on the ground.
And you will spread
far and wide
To west and east,
to north and south.
All the families of the earth
will long to be blessed
as you and your descendants
are blessed.
I shall be with you
to protect you wherever you go
and I shall bring you back
to this land.
I shall not leave you
until I have done
what I promised you.
[crickets chirping]
[bird calls]
[bird screeching]
If God will be with me,
and if He will protect me
on my journey,
and if I return safely
to my father's house,
Then the Lord shall be my God.
and of everything He gives me,
I will set aside
a tenth part for Him.
What happens
even if I get there?
I have no dowry now!
No means to get a wife!
Tell me!
[grunting]
Yes.
Yes, I will go on.
I've placed my faith in Him
Who showed me
the gateway to heaven.
[bird cawing]
[sheep bleating]
(Jacob)
My friends! My friends!
(Jacob)
Where are you from?
We're from Haran.
(Jacob)
Oh.
[grunts]
Then I'm here.
[pants]
God has delivered me.
[sheep bleating]
Do you know,
do you know Laban,
son of Nahor?
Anyone who doesn't
is from a long way off.
[sheep continue bleating]
Can you take me to him?
(man)
She can take you to him.
She's his wife?
(man)
She's his daughter.
He's looking for
your father.
I will take you to him
Once we have watered
the flocks.
[sheep bleating]
[Jacob grunts]
[grunting]
[water sloshing]
You are generous
with your strength.
[lamb bleats]
Thank you.
I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry.
I'm Jacob.
(Jacob) Son of Rebekah,
your father's sister!
[bird twittering]
[all chattering]
[camel grunting]
[all continue chattering]
(man)
Laban!
[women giggling]
(man)
Laban!
Laban! Laban!
[sheep bleating]
Laban, I must see you now.
Why do fortune tellers
get in such a state?
They are supposed to know
what is going to happen,
aren't they?
[men laugh]
When I cast
the stones this morning,
there was a new message:
A presence
will soon be among us,
a presence
that will make us all rich.
[laughs] Starting with you,
I suppose
Since you'll want payment
for this prediction.
[men laugh]
No, Laban, I swear.
[sheep bleating]
Swear it on oath
before my household gods.
I do.
I do so swear.
A great presence
is near to us.
(Rachel)
Father!
A man at the well. Jacob.
[pants]
A--a man
who--who calls himself
Son of Rebekah,
your sister.
Really?
Then bring him here,
Rachel.
There may be
something to this, after all.
Great wealth
from the son of nomads?
(Jacob)
Uncle.
I am Jacob,
son of Isaac and Rebekah,
[panting]
Your sister.
[groans]
Great wealth, did you say?
I'd have another look
at your stones, soothsayer.
It's true.
I swore it on your gods,
Laban.
Sit down, nephew.
Join us
in our humble meal.
[claps]
So, I gather
you were attacked by thieves.
Yes, uncle.
They prey on
the caravan routes.
Oh, yes, yes.
We live in lawless times.
[mumbles]
Did they take a great deal?
A bride's ransom.
(Laban)
Ah.
You must stay with us
until you get
your strength back.
Then I shall want
to hear more.
We all will.
(Laban) This is Morash,
my eldest son.
[Laban chuckles]
At least they didn't rob you
of your appetite, huh?
[men laugh]
(Laban) Have the flocks
been counted, Be'or?
(Laban)
Ah, this is my second son.
(Be'or)
Not yet, father.
Ah, we need more eyes
in the fields.
Well,
perhaps my nephew can help.
I would be honored, uncle.
Good.
Leah will be your guide
(Laban) show you our home,
our village, and our fields.
(Laban)
she's my eldest daughter.
I would be grateful
for her help.
[sheep bleating]
[sheep grunts]
[all giggling]
[sheep bleating]
[lamb bleating]
(Soothsayer)
It's Jacob's doing.
(Laban) Whatever he
touches flourishes.
How do we know
it's him?
(Soothsayer)
It's his doing.
(Soothsayer) And his god,
to whom he prays nightly.
Tell me, which one?
My prayers must be
as good as his.
It's not a god known to us.
(Laban)
We must keep Jacob here.
(Morash)
He has his eye on Rachel.
(Be'or)
And she's noticed him.
Rachel.
Where did you come from?
I had to bring
the midday meals.
Leah's not well.
You work too hard.
Oh, this was
just an accident.
You push yourself.
Why would a god that makes
everything you touch succeed
Want you to struggle?
To make me worthy.
Blessed art thou,
O Lord our God,
King of the universe,
Who brings forth
the bread from the earth.
Amen.
But one day...
What?
...He'll reward me.
How?
With your love.
If he truly cares for me.
[sheep bleating]
I hope my brothers
never hear you
speak like that.
They won't.
Not until the time is right.
It will never be time
until Leah is married.
I can wait.
Don't be afraid.
If we were seen,
we'd be stoned.
Don't run away, Rachel.
Please.
You know I won't.
I can't.
But we must be careful.
[panting]
[clicking tongue]
You hear that?
Yes.
It's a sign
between the 2 of us
That one of us wants
to speak with the other.
If it is returned,
it means no one is about.
[clicking tongue]
Now is not
a good time.
[clicking tongue]
Morash knows
I'm bringing
the midday meals.
[clicking tongue]
Jacob,
[crickets chirping]
It's not right
That you should work
for nothing.
Yeah.
Tell me what wages you want.
I don't expect wages, uncle.
Then what made you come here?
Rebekah,
your sister and my mother
wanted me to take
one of your daughters
to be my wife.
(Laban)
Ah.
[snapping fingers]
Why should I give up
something so precious
to a man who has nothing?
I know I come empty-handed,
but I'm a good worker.
Take me as a laborer.
I'll give you 5 years
for Rachel.
It would be a great
break with tradition
to see Rachel
married before Leah.
I'm blood of your blood.
This isn't a marriage
outside of the family.
Yeah, that's true.
And you know
I'm a good worker,
which means a good provider.
Everything you
touch flourishes.
Then let me work
for you.
For 5 years.
10.
7.
So be it.
Stay here and work for me.
I promise you'll
never regret this day.
Why don't you
tell Rachel yourself?
[chuckling]
But perhaps she knows already.
[laughing]
You're cheating Leah.
Oh, 7 years is a long time.
We'll worry about it later.
[sighing]
I'm sorry for Leah.
But what pains her
gives me great joy.
And me?
Each morning,
I've been frightened
you'd say it
was time to leave.
I will leave,
first thing in the morning
7 years from today.
But I'll never
leave without you.
[sighs]
[men chattering]
(Soothsayer)
Whatever Jacob touches
flourishes.
[dog barking]
The rain comes on time.
The grass grows like weeds.
It's Jacob's god.
(Soothsayer)
If Jacob leaves,
His god, who is so strong
and bountiful,
will leave with him.
There is a way.
(Laban)
This is not a man
who can be forced.
It needs cleverness.
He must think
he stays by his own choice.
[knocking at door]
[snoring]
(Jacob)
Laban!
[knocking continues]
[Laban grunting]
(Jacob)
Laban!
[knocking continues]
Jacob.
I've served my time.
[titters]
I've come for Rachel.
You're--you're very prompt.
You'll keep your word?
Oh, o-o-of course I will.
Of course.
Oh. Ah, we must make plans
for the wedding.
Should we invite anyone
from your family?
Your--your brother, perhaps?
No.
I'll see him soon enough
when I take my bride back.
Back to my own country.
Oh. All in good time.
First, come in.
We must prepare
the wedding feast.
[laughing]
I wish I were dead.
I wish father were dead,
and those ugly
gods he worships.
At least Jacob's god stands
for honor and decency.
Then why is he
letting all this happen?
Why is he
deserting Jacob now?
What's meant for Jacob
is meant for me
and for you.
It will end as it should.
I have faith in that.
[rooster crowing]
[music playing]
[people laughing]
[people chattering]
Sit, sit. Come, come.
[water sloshing]
[music playing]
[music stops]
Where's Leah?
Um, she is in her room.
She's terribly upset.
It's understandable, huh?
The bride awaits her master.
But the room is dark.
A tradition
to honor modesty.
The bed chamber must be unlit
on the wedding night.
[door closing]
Rachel?
[clicking tongue]
[clicking tongue]
[clicking tongue]
[birds chirping]
[cow mooing]
[rooster crowing]
[sheep bleating]
You?
You?
All night long,
I called you Rachel.
And you answered me.
How did you know
the signs?
Rachel had no choice,
Jacob.
What else could she do?
One word from you
would've stopped it all!
Have you never wanted
something so badly
That you would deceive
even the people you love
to get it?
God.
My God.
Will my debt never be paid?
Will I never atone?
[sighs]
Where's Laban?
[door opening]
Laban!
(Laban)
No, no, no! Don't do anything!
(Jacob)
You deceived me!
Give me a reason
not to kill you!
I can explain!
Help me! Help me!
Would your god want
my blood on your hands?
[grunting]
[gasping]
Out, out.
Everybody out. Out.
[pants]
(Jacob) Give me a
reason not to kill you!
(Laban)
I can explain!
Help me! Stop him!
[groaning]
[panting]
I've not deceived you.
Rachel is yours.
You shall have Rachel.
I swear it.
And you ignored
the pain you'd cause
and settled on deception!
No, no, no. Well, not exactly.
We all have to deceive
a little.
Leah is now yours.
And once this week
of celebration is over,
I shall give you Rachel
as a bride as well.
I only wanted
one wife, you fool!
But 2 wives
speak well of a man.
2 dowries.
They show the world
how rich he is.
What dowries?
You've kept me penniless
for 7 years!
That's not a problem.
You live here
with my daughters
and work another 7 years
for your second bride,
Rachel.
Huh?
You get the goods in advance,
so to speak.
It seems hard,
But it is the only way
the gods have left you.
[titters]
There is no other way.
Please don't hate me.
I don't hate you.
[sheep bleating]
[sighs]
[panting]
[groans]
[Leah screams]
(woman)
Fetch blankets!
[Leah screams]
(woman)
Almost here.
You'll soon be blessed
with a fine son.
Now, push again!
[screaming]
Here it comes!
Where are the blankets?
[baby crying]
We shall call you Judah,
which means "praise."
And that is what
we must offer god:
Praise for his bounty.
4 sons, my husband.
Do you love me now?
Knife. I win.
Oh, what's going on?
You're never happier, Jacob,
Than when your wife
gives you another son.
Leah is a gentle woman.
It would be wrong
to punish her
for what your father did.
You're also my wife.
The children are
a gift from god,
A blessing for all of us.
I want to be like her, Jacob.
Please give me children
or I shall die of pain.
I'm not God.
Children aren't mine to give.
But you were chosen by him.
Why does he prefer Leah?
Tell me what to do.
What can I do?
Lie with my slave girl.
Please lie with her,
so she can give birth
on my knees.
Then I will have
a child of my own.
Please do this for me, Jacob.
Bilhah.
[dog barking]
It's exactly as I predicted.
While Jacob remains here
his god enriches us all.
(Laban)
I hope we will all remember
who kept Jacob here.
How could we forget,
father?
But his second 7
years are nearly up.
How are we going to
keep him?
He has no reason
to leave now.
He has 7 sons by Leah,
2 from the slave girl, Bilhah,
Another by Leah's slave girl,
Zilpah.
And for good measure,
Leah has given him
a daughter, Dinah.
Oh, you've come early
to please an old man.
God has blessed me, father.
What are you talking about?
Father, I am with child.
(Jacob) Rachel's
blessing is a sure sign.
When our child is born,
we will take our leave.
Of course,
I can't stop you going.
But you will be a sorry sight
when you get there.
If you get there at all.
[Laban sighing]
You came empty-handed,
So you must leave
empty-handed.
I think you will
find it difficult
To keep your enormous brood
without water or food
On such a long journey.
You want to keep
me here a prisoner?
No, no, no, no. You've earned
dowries for my daughters.
I'm honor-bound to pay you.
Name your price.
No. I don't want your silver,
I don't want your gold.
But...
I want a share
in your flocks.
I deserve that.
Go through
your entire stock.
Remove all of your
black lambs
And all of your
speckled goats.
They will be my wages.
But all my sheep are white,
and all my goats are black.
You'll have nothing.
I'll have all I need.
I'm guided by the hand
that showed me
the gateway to heaven.
Then tell me
the story again. Please.
(Jacob)
I told Laban
that I would go
through his flocks
and pick out every black lamb
and every speckled goat.
They would be my wages.
But Laban and
his sons cheated
and removed all
the speckled goats
and all the rams
that were black.
Then the angel of God
appeared to me in a dream.
So, I took fresh rods
of poplar and plane trees
and peeled off
strips of bark,
exposing
the white of the rods.
I put the peeled rods
in the water troughs,
and fixed some of them upright
so that they were facing
the she-goats
that were on heat
when they came to drink.
Take the poles out
when the weaker animals
come to drink.
We want to breed
from the strongest.
(Jacob) They mated
in front of the rods,
and gave birth to young
that were striped and spotted
and speckled.
And now you see
why I put my trust
in the Lord.
[lamb bleating]
It's sorcery.
It's robbery.
And when Rachel
has the child...
[grunting]
(Jacob) And the ewes
gave birth to black sheep.
[sheep bleating]
[inaudible]
So our wealth has increased.
Your son.
Joseph.
We shall call you Joseph.
That means
"the one who will add
to our people."
Joseph.
[laughs]
Joseph.
Thank you.
Last night, the Lord
appeared to me again.
It will soon be
time to leave.
(Jacob)
I must do as God tells me,
But I cannot force you
to leave your father.
I think we should all do
what God tells you.
Father sold us for profit.
He got his price.
We are worthless to him now.
Then we must wait our chance.
You must shear your sheep
and move your flocks
to the winter grazing.
It's time!
No. I do as God tells me.
Oh, you and your god.
Your flocks will perish
in the winter snow.
The animals will die.
Then you'll be
praying to my god.
Do as you please.
We move our flocks
and return in 6 days.
[camels grunting]
We leave in 3 days,
when he's farthest from home.
We must be careful.
None of his servants
must know our plan.
[rooster crowing]
[bleating]
We must move faster.
Gilead is still
a good 5 days away.
Will Esau be
there to meet us?
Once he knows we're near,
I think he'll
certainly be there to meet us.
What's the matter?
He's my brother.
Just as Joseph is yours.
There should never be
bad blood in a family.
But I don't think
your grandfather,
Laban would agree.
Fools! Why didn't you send
someone after me?
We did, master,
but you were back
before he found you.
Let's go after him, father.
Let's kill him, and let's
take back the flocks.
No.
But the flocks are ours.
Jacob stole them
by sorcery!
Oh, you won't defeat
Jacob by force!
We need guidance.
[gasps]
I'll follow him
even to his father's tent
and I'll kill him there.
He's no more
than a day's ride ahead.
We pitch camp here
for the night.
(Jacob)
Tomorrow, we'll be
in my brother's land.
I'll ride on ahead and set
the trail for the morning.
(Jacob)
I'm almost home.
Almost home.
It is you, God of my fathers,
Who wins the victories
for your servant Jacob.
It's not the sword
that saved me,
But your guidance and love.
(God)
Listen carefully, Laban.
Do not lay your hand
on the man I have blessed.
Do Jacob no harm.
You have delivered me
from my adversaries.
You have thrown my enemies
into confusion.
[bird cawing]
Simeon.
Simeon.
It's Laban. He's here!
Hey!
[whimpering]
[all cheering]
You see? It's easy.
All you need--
(man)
Esau!
Esau,
your brother.
My brother.
He's less than 2 days
ride away.
Is he alone?
There must be nearly
100 people with him.
Get the men.
I want them armed.
We leave now!
What are you waiting for?
You'll do nothing
unless I tell you.
Jacob. Jacob, my son.
What have you done?
We could have
talked it over, huh?
You're a very clever man,
Laban.
But talking to you
leads to years of servitude.
But why, Jacob,
did you steal my gods?
How can I ignore
such an insult?
Your gods?
(Jacob)
I didn't steal your gods.
How can you deceive me?
I will never do such a thing.
Search my camp.
Whoever stole your gods
shall die.
This I swear
by everything I hold dear.
Why have you got Joseph?
Rachel's sick.
Oh.
Forgive me
for not getting up, father.
I am as women are
once a month.
My dear,
Forgive me.
(Jacob)
Have you found anything?
No.
Then let us go.
They are my daughters,
my children, my livestock.
Everything you see is mine!
But I cannot
go back with you!
I must go on
until I reach the land
promised to me
by Abraham and Isaac.
I worked all those years
only to make myself
worthy of it.
Then this is where
our paths separate.
I swear I shall not
pass this way again
before God.
Nor shall I cross
beyond this point.
If you ill-treat
my daughters,
or betray them
with other women,
The God of Abraham
must be your judge.
(Jacob)
We must offer a sacrifice,
Seal our pact.
[knife slashing]
[goat bleats]
[camel grunting]
He's straight ahead of us.
Come on.
(Esau)
We'll take him tomorrow.
We pitch camp here.
But the sun's still high.
We should go on.
We're now
in the land of Esau.
We go no further
till he and I have
settled our differences.
I want you to prepare
an offering of gifts.
Select the finest
of our lambs and goats,
the best of our ewes
and she-goats,
our very best broadcloth,
and prepare a caravan.
Tzurim.
I want you to
drive it west to Seir.
Find my brother.
Present him with my gifts.
(Jacob) Tell him where I've been
all these years.
Tell him that he is my king
and that what you bring
shows my respect
and obedience.
How long do we stay here?
Until the gifts are delivered
and the messengers return.
2 days there
and 2 days back.
Then we move on.
But why do we wait?
And why should we give
everything we've worked for
to a brother
you haven't seen in years?
He's been with me
every day I've been gone.
I cannot take you
to the land God promised us
until I make peace with Esau.
Why not?
Once, a long time ago,
I wronged Esau.
I endured my trials
to prove to God
that I wanted to atone,
that I learned the lessons
that he sent me.
You understand that,
but does Esau?
(Tzurim)
Jacob!
Jacob!
Jacob!
Tzurim?
Jacob!
What happened?
Why are you back so soon?
Your brother, Esau.
He must have known
you were coming.
He'll be here by daybreak
with a band of armed men.
[Tzurim panting]
Split up into 2 groups.
Divide the goods
and flocks equally.
Then, when I give the order,
one group will follow Rachel
and half my sons,
while the other will go
with Leah and the rest.
Go.
God of Abraham and Isaac.
Save me, I pray,
from my brother Esau.
I fear he will
come and destroy me,
sparing neither
mother nor child.
Deliver me
so that I can fulfill
your promise.
That my descendants will be
like the sand of the sea:
Beyond all counting.
Who's there?
[groaning]
Esau?
Esau?
Who are you?
Why are you
trying to kill me?
If you come from my brother,
take this back as my answer:
You cannot defeat me!
The God of Abraham
is with me!
Only he can break me!
[screams]
[panting]
Is God with you?
Has he deserted me?
You!
(man)
Let go of me.
I could kill you
if I choose.
I won't let go
until you bless me.
I've not come to bless you,
but to make sure
that you don't escape.
Now, let me go.
Not until you bless me.
Isn't that why
the Lord sent you?
Now, give me your blessing!
[grunting]
What is your name?
Jacob!
Your name shall
no longer be Jacob,
But Israel,
because you have
striven with God
as well as with men,
and you have prevailed.
[groans]
Esau.
[grunting]
Father, what happened?
Get back!
He must meet me first, alone.
[hollers]
[baby crying]
Brother.
Suddenly,
I'm his brother again.
Why did you run from me
all these years?
I wronged you.
I feared you would
take your revenge.
It would have been just.
Even he admits it.
Admits it humbly.
I beg your forgiveness.
Damn you.
I came here to punish you.
I wanted to take
your possessions
and leave you penniless.
I wanted to take your people
and leave you with
no one to love you.
I have waited
years for this day.
But now I'm here.
I feel the hand
of Abraham and Isaac.
I can't harm you.
[crying]
And these children...
They're the children
God has blessed me with.
God has blessed you, indeed.
Now, come with me to Seir
and live with me in peace.
I sheathe my sword.
We need time to rest.
To gather ourselves.
Go on ahead.
We'll soon follow.
Very well.
You'd better take shelter.
A storm is coming.
(Jacob)
Get ready to leave.
Leaving now?
Why didn't we go
with Esau?
Because we
aren't going to Seir.
We aren't going to join Esau.
[camels grunting]
Esau and I must go
our separate ways.
Each of us has been promised
a mighty nation.
Look at Joseph.
He's showing us the way.
This way!
[thunder rumbling]
(male narrator)
And Jacob arrived safely
at the town of
Shechem in Canaan
and pitched his
tent to the east of it
on a strip of land
he purchased
from Hamor, prince of Shechem,
for 100 sheep.
He erected an altar
and called it
El-elohe-Israel
For God, the god of Israel,
The name that had been given
to him.
[camel grunts]
[camels grunting]
[yells]
(man)
I can't see!
(Isaac)
Esau! Behind you.
[tent flapping]
(Esau)
Not that loose.
(Esau) let it bend with
the wind, not break.
[sheep bleating]
[sheep continue bleating]
Is Abraham safe?
Yes. His tent is
out of the wind.
You go on ahead.
I'll make sure
the wells are capped.
We don't want them
full of sand by morning.
[shepherd chattering]
[sheep bleating]
Oh, help me! Help me!
[camel grunting]
(man) Just leave him!
Just leave him!
[rain pattering]
(Rebekah)
That took long enough.
Where are the boys?
One fights the storm
to save the wells.
The other is
with his grandfather.
Blessed art thou,
O Lord our God,
King of the universe,
Who brings forth the bread
from the earth.
Amen.
[sheep bleating]
Ah, Esau always stalks
the finest in the herd.
He never takes
the easy kill.
The people of Abraham
need more than
a strong arm in their leader.
I know
I'm from a different tribe--
Now don't start, woman.
[rain pattering]
Esau is the firstborn.
(Rebekah)
Jacob came second,
But he was clutching
his brother's heel.
He tried to get out first.
But it was Esau the hunter
who was first.
And then Jacob.
One, a man of action...
And the other,
a man who cares about
the tribe.
(Isaac)
Now, that is enough.
I think Abraham
hears god's voice
whenever the wind blows.
God speaks to all of us.
Yes,
but we don't all hear him.
Blessed art thou,
O Lord our God,
King of the universe
Who brings forth the bread
from the earth.
Amen.
Do you hear him?
(Jacob)
Hear god's voice? Me?
I often feel
there's someone watching.
Do you know what I mean?
I do. I feel it all the time.
But it always turns out to be
a Canaanite woman,
following me
like a lovesick cow.
[Esau and Isaac laugh]
And you encourage them.
You'll end up with
a Canaanite wife.
I could do worse.
Pickings are slim
in our camp.
[sheep bleating]
[grunts]
Here.
Let's find some shade.
(Jacob)
You go on.
Jacob, my son is dying.
My firstborn.
[sobs]
[wheezes]
[mumbles]
Be strong, Elon.
The God of Abraham
watches over you.
[bird twittering]
[bird screeching]
God of Abraham,
protect and keep this,
your servant.
Mmm, smells delicious.
That's quite a prize
I stalked him half the day.
...Even for
a hunter like you.
There's only one greater
pleasure, believe me.
[laughs]
You should come with me
to the Canaanite women.
That's a thrill
even you could enjoy.
Perhaps I already have.
You might enjoy it more
if your head was clear
And you knew who
you were lying with.
You talk like an old woman
stirring her porridge.
Well, porridge has its uses.
(Esau)
I'm hungry. Give me some.
No. It's for Gaham's boy.
He's sick.
Damn you!
I brought home enough meat
for the entire tribe.
Don't I deserve
a little porridge?
I tell you,
it's for Gaham's boy.
There's enough
for both of us.
Then wait.
Don't just think of yourself.
[lamb bleating]
You think I'm stupid,
don't you?
No,
but you're very uncaring.
You're the firstborn.
Firstborn be damned.
What does that mean?
Just a bit bigger share
of what father leaves us.
If your inheritance
means so little to you,
And your hunger
is so desperate,
give it to me.
And in return, you can take
all the porridge you want.
Done.
No, it's not that easy.
Swear it.
Swear by the God of Abraham.
That in return
for the porridge,
I give up my inheritance.
The inheritance of the firstborn
to you, my brother Jacob.
[pot thudding]
Did you pair as many animals
as you'd hoped?
Yes, mother.
By spring,
we'll be overrun with lambs.
We've never had a better man
tending the flocks.
Not difficult to persuade
animals to couple, mother.
Nor some men.
(Jacob)
I won't speak against Esau.
He married
outside our tribe.
And now he's building
a stone house,
like the Canaanites.
How's father?
His eyesight is worse.
(Rebekah)
And I know he's in pain.
[camel grunting]
Esau?
No, father. It's Jacob.
Ah.
Do you think Esau is too busy?
For you, father? Never.
I'll fetch him.
Esau!
Father wants to see you.
[women giggling]
Well, what do you think?
You should build one
for yourself.
A stone house?
No, Esau.
I'm not a Canaanite.
[laughs]
(Isaac) Hairy, just like the
animals that fear your bow.
[Isaac panting]
I'm an old man, Esau,
And the hour of my death
is near.
No, father.
No, listen.
Listen to me.
Take your bow,
Find some game,
the finest in the herd,
(Isaac) prepare it,
and then bring it to me.
(Isaac)
When I've eaten my fill, then,
Then, I'll give you
my paternal blessing.
(Esau)
No, father.
It is time. Don't argue.
Do as I say.
Or I'll be gone
And you'll no longer
have the chance.
Quickly! Get Jacob.
Tell him to come here
at once.
God intended you
to continue Abraham's line,
Not Esau.
Really?
He told you so, did he?
When I was with child,
I was in great pain.
I sought the counsel of God.
"2 nations are within your
womb," I was told.
"2 manner of men
shall be delivered to you.
"the one is stronger
than the other
And the elder shall serve
the younger."
You are the one
who pleases god.
You must understand that.
No.
I can't do that to Esau.
I've already taken
his inheritance as firstborn.
That's enough.
Really? You feel no call?
You never sense a presence
at your shoulder?
Fetch me 2 young goats.
I'll prepare a meal
for your father.
You can take it to him.
He's nearly blind.
He'll bless you.
No.
Don't you want
the elder son's blessing?
Don't you want to carry on
the line begun by Abraham?
Not by deception.
All that counts
is that you do it.
Esau will turn us
into Canaanites.
Do as I say.
This is God's will.
(Jacob) mother, can any
good come from this?
(Rebekah)
This must be God's wish,
Or he would've made you
the hunter
And Esau the one who cares.
[groaning]
It won't work.
He'll feel my arms
and know it's not Esau.
Quiet. It will work.
Father.
I'm here.
Is it Jacob or Esau?
Your firstborn.
And I've done as you wished.
I've brought you the food.
Come closer.
Closer, my son,
so that I may touch you.
Take the food
that I prepared for you
And then you can give me
your blessing.
(Isaac)
The arm is the arm of Esau,
But the voice
is the voice of Jacob.
Are you truly my son Esau?
Yes, I am
your son.
Come near, my son,
and kiss me.
Yes, you are truly Esau.
(Isaac) God give you
the dew of heaven,
The riches of the earth,
Grain,
and new wine in plenty.
May people serve you
and nations bow down to you.
May you be lord over
your brothers
And may your mother's sons
bow down to you.
Cursed be those
who curse you,
And a blessing on those
who bless you.
[sighs]
Who's that?
It's me. Esau.
Come, sit up and eat.
Then you can give me
your blessing.
Why are you feeding me again?
I've blessed you already.
Who was it
who brought food to me?
Jacob.
Damn him!
[pot shatters]
First,
he takes my birthright.
Now he steals
my blessing.
Esau, my son,
what have I done?
Have you no blessing
left for me?
I've given him everything.
I've made him your master.
But you must
bless me instead.
But I blessed him.
And he must remain blessed.
God saw me bless Jacob.
He allowed it to happen.
I--I cannot change that.
Then bless me, too.
Bless me, too.
[sobbing]
You shall enjoy
the riches of the earth
And the dew of heaven.
But you will live
by the sword.
You've deceived me
once too often.
I'll have your heart
before sunrise.
You care nothing for us.
Nothing for who we are!
(Jacob) I deserve
the blessing of the firstborn!
[grunting]
(Rebekah)
Jacob!
Stop! Stop it!
(Rebekah)
Esau!
Would you curse
your father's last days
by murdering your brother?
[grunts]
(Esau)
I give you warning.
Our father's days
are numbered.
And once he's been
properly mourned,
I'll kill you, brother,
and never shed a tear.
You die the day
after he does.
You must leave here, Jacob.
You must move on.
I'm not afraid of Esau!
Do as I say,
or he will kill you.
Then they will kill him!
I don't want to lose 2 sons
in one day.
(Rebekah)
Your father wants you. Hurry.
Do as he tells you!
He wants to send me away.
Is that why he blessed me?
(Isaac) It is time
you were married, Jacob,
But not to
a Canaanite woman.
You must go to Padanaram
and find a wife there.
One of
the daughters of Laban,
Your mother's brother.
Now, Jacob,
May God bless you.
May he make you fruitful
and increase your descendants
until they become
a community of nations.
(Isaac) May he bestow
on you and your offspring
The blessing given to Abraham
So that you can
possess the land
where you are now living,
The land God gave to Abraham.
[sheep bleating]
A special gift
for your bride.
[sniffs]
(man)
He's taking a rich dowry.
Are you just going to
let him go?
These are
my father's last days.
(Esau)
I can't harm Jacob.
What hurts you hurts me.
You're my brother-in-law.
I cannot have his death
on my head.
Of course not.
[wind whistling]
[bird calls]
[camel grunting]
[hooves clomping]
[bird screeching]
Esau.
[camel grunts]
[camel grunting]
[continues grunting]
[camel snorting]
[donkey braying]
[continues braying]
[donkey screeches]
[camel grunting]
[bird caws]
(voice)
I am the Lord,
The God of Abraham
and your father, Isaac.
I will give this land to you
and your descendants.
They will be as
countless as the
specks of dust
on the ground.
And you will spread
far and wide
To west and east,
to north and south.
All the families of the earth
will long to be blessed
as you and your descendants
are blessed.
I shall be with you
to protect you wherever you go
and I shall bring you back
to this land.
I shall not leave you
until I have done
what I promised you.
[crickets chirping]
[bird calls]
[bird screeching]
If God will be with me,
and if He will protect me
on my journey,
and if I return safely
to my father's house,
Then the Lord shall be my God.
and of everything He gives me,
I will set aside
a tenth part for Him.
What happens
even if I get there?
I have no dowry now!
No means to get a wife!
Tell me!
[grunting]
Yes.
Yes, I will go on.
I've placed my faith in Him
Who showed me
the gateway to heaven.
[bird cawing]
[sheep bleating]
(Jacob)
My friends! My friends!
(Jacob)
Where are you from?
We're from Haran.
(Jacob)
Oh.
[grunts]
Then I'm here.
[pants]
God has delivered me.
[sheep bleating]
Do you know,
do you know Laban,
son of Nahor?
Anyone who doesn't
is from a long way off.
[sheep continue bleating]
Can you take me to him?
(man)
She can take you to him.
She's his wife?
(man)
She's his daughter.
He's looking for
your father.
I will take you to him
Once we have watered
the flocks.
[sheep bleating]
[Jacob grunts]
[grunting]
[water sloshing]
You are generous
with your strength.
[lamb bleats]
Thank you.
I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry.
I'm Jacob.
(Jacob) Son of Rebekah,
your father's sister!
[bird twittering]
[all chattering]
[camel grunting]
[all continue chattering]
(man)
Laban!
[women giggling]
(man)
Laban!
Laban! Laban!
[sheep bleating]
Laban, I must see you now.
Why do fortune tellers
get in such a state?
They are supposed to know
what is going to happen,
aren't they?
[men laugh]
When I cast
the stones this morning,
there was a new message:
A presence
will soon be among us,
a presence
that will make us all rich.
[laughs] Starting with you,
I suppose
Since you'll want payment
for this prediction.
[men laugh]
No, Laban, I swear.
[sheep bleating]
Swear it on oath
before my household gods.
I do.
I do so swear.
A great presence
is near to us.
(Rachel)
Father!
A man at the well. Jacob.
[pants]
A--a man
who--who calls himself
Son of Rebekah,
your sister.
Really?
Then bring him here,
Rachel.
There may be
something to this, after all.
Great wealth
from the son of nomads?
(Jacob)
Uncle.
I am Jacob,
son of Isaac and Rebekah,
[panting]
Your sister.
[groans]
Great wealth, did you say?
I'd have another look
at your stones, soothsayer.
It's true.
I swore it on your gods,
Laban.
Sit down, nephew.
Join us
in our humble meal.
[claps]
So, I gather
you were attacked by thieves.
Yes, uncle.
They prey on
the caravan routes.
Oh, yes, yes.
We live in lawless times.
[mumbles]
Did they take a great deal?
A bride's ransom.
(Laban)
Ah.
You must stay with us
until you get
your strength back.
Then I shall want
to hear more.
We all will.
(Laban) This is Morash,
my eldest son.
[Laban chuckles]
At least they didn't rob you
of your appetite, huh?
[men laugh]
(Laban) Have the flocks
been counted, Be'or?
(Laban)
Ah, this is my second son.
(Be'or)
Not yet, father.
Ah, we need more eyes
in the fields.
Well,
perhaps my nephew can help.
I would be honored, uncle.
Good.
Leah will be your guide
(Laban) show you our home,
our village, and our fields.
(Laban)
she's my eldest daughter.
I would be grateful
for her help.
[sheep bleating]
[sheep grunts]
[all giggling]
[sheep bleating]
[lamb bleating]
(Soothsayer)
It's Jacob's doing.
(Laban) Whatever he
touches flourishes.
How do we know
it's him?
(Soothsayer)
It's his doing.
(Soothsayer) And his god,
to whom he prays nightly.
Tell me, which one?
My prayers must be
as good as his.
It's not a god known to us.
(Laban)
We must keep Jacob here.
(Morash)
He has his eye on Rachel.
(Be'or)
And she's noticed him.
Rachel.
Where did you come from?
I had to bring
the midday meals.
Leah's not well.
You work too hard.
Oh, this was
just an accident.
You push yourself.
Why would a god that makes
everything you touch succeed
Want you to struggle?
To make me worthy.
Blessed art thou,
O Lord our God,
King of the universe,
Who brings forth
the bread from the earth.
Amen.
But one day...
What?
...He'll reward me.
How?
With your love.
If he truly cares for me.
[sheep bleating]
I hope my brothers
never hear you
speak like that.
They won't.
Not until the time is right.
It will never be time
until Leah is married.
I can wait.
Don't be afraid.
If we were seen,
we'd be stoned.
Don't run away, Rachel.
Please.
You know I won't.
I can't.
But we must be careful.
[panting]
[clicking tongue]
You hear that?
Yes.
It's a sign
between the 2 of us
That one of us wants
to speak with the other.
If it is returned,
it means no one is about.
[clicking tongue]
Now is not
a good time.
[clicking tongue]
Morash knows
I'm bringing
the midday meals.
[clicking tongue]
Jacob,
[crickets chirping]
It's not right
That you should work
for nothing.
Yeah.
Tell me what wages you want.
I don't expect wages, uncle.
Then what made you come here?
Rebekah,
your sister and my mother
wanted me to take
one of your daughters
to be my wife.
(Laban)
Ah.
[snapping fingers]
Why should I give up
something so precious
to a man who has nothing?
I know I come empty-handed,
but I'm a good worker.
Take me as a laborer.
I'll give you 5 years
for Rachel.
It would be a great
break with tradition
to see Rachel
married before Leah.
I'm blood of your blood.
This isn't a marriage
outside of the family.
Yeah, that's true.
And you know
I'm a good worker,
which means a good provider.
Everything you
touch flourishes.
Then let me work
for you.
For 5 years.
10.
7.
So be it.
Stay here and work for me.
I promise you'll
never regret this day.
Why don't you
tell Rachel yourself?
[chuckling]
But perhaps she knows already.
[laughing]
You're cheating Leah.
Oh, 7 years is a long time.
We'll worry about it later.
[sighing]
I'm sorry for Leah.
But what pains her
gives me great joy.
And me?
Each morning,
I've been frightened
you'd say it
was time to leave.
I will leave,
first thing in the morning
7 years from today.
But I'll never
leave without you.
[sighs]
[men chattering]
(Soothsayer)
Whatever Jacob touches
flourishes.
[dog barking]
The rain comes on time.
The grass grows like weeds.
It's Jacob's god.
(Soothsayer)
If Jacob leaves,
His god, who is so strong
and bountiful,
will leave with him.
There is a way.
(Laban)
This is not a man
who can be forced.
It needs cleverness.
He must think
he stays by his own choice.
[knocking at door]
[snoring]
(Jacob)
Laban!
[knocking continues]
[Laban grunting]
(Jacob)
Laban!
[knocking continues]
Jacob.
I've served my time.
[titters]
I've come for Rachel.
You're--you're very prompt.
You'll keep your word?
Oh, o-o-of course I will.
Of course.
Oh. Ah, we must make plans
for the wedding.
Should we invite anyone
from your family?
Your--your brother, perhaps?
No.
I'll see him soon enough
when I take my bride back.
Back to my own country.
Oh. All in good time.
First, come in.
We must prepare
the wedding feast.
[laughing]
I wish I were dead.
I wish father were dead,
and those ugly
gods he worships.
At least Jacob's god stands
for honor and decency.
Then why is he
letting all this happen?
Why is he
deserting Jacob now?
What's meant for Jacob
is meant for me
and for you.
It will end as it should.
I have faith in that.
[rooster crowing]
[music playing]
[people laughing]
[people chattering]
Sit, sit. Come, come.
[water sloshing]
[music playing]
[music stops]
Where's Leah?
Um, she is in her room.
She's terribly upset.
It's understandable, huh?
The bride awaits her master.
But the room is dark.
A tradition
to honor modesty.
The bed chamber must be unlit
on the wedding night.
[door closing]
Rachel?
[clicking tongue]
[clicking tongue]
[clicking tongue]
[birds chirping]
[cow mooing]
[rooster crowing]
[sheep bleating]
You?
You?
All night long,
I called you Rachel.
And you answered me.
How did you know
the signs?
Rachel had no choice,
Jacob.
What else could she do?
One word from you
would've stopped it all!
Have you never wanted
something so badly
That you would deceive
even the people you love
to get it?
God.
My God.
Will my debt never be paid?
Will I never atone?
[sighs]
Where's Laban?
[door opening]
Laban!
(Laban)
No, no, no! Don't do anything!
(Jacob)
You deceived me!
Give me a reason
not to kill you!
I can explain!
Help me! Help me!
Would your god want
my blood on your hands?
[grunting]
[gasping]
Out, out.
Everybody out. Out.
[pants]
(Jacob) Give me a
reason not to kill you!
(Laban)
I can explain!
Help me! Stop him!
[groaning]
[panting]
I've not deceived you.
Rachel is yours.
You shall have Rachel.
I swear it.
And you ignored
the pain you'd cause
and settled on deception!
No, no, no. Well, not exactly.
We all have to deceive
a little.
Leah is now yours.
And once this week
of celebration is over,
I shall give you Rachel
as a bride as well.
I only wanted
one wife, you fool!
But 2 wives
speak well of a man.
2 dowries.
They show the world
how rich he is.
What dowries?
You've kept me penniless
for 7 years!
That's not a problem.
You live here
with my daughters
and work another 7 years
for your second bride,
Rachel.
Huh?
You get the goods in advance,
so to speak.
It seems hard,
But it is the only way
the gods have left you.
[titters]
There is no other way.
Please don't hate me.
I don't hate you.
[sheep bleating]
[sighs]
[panting]
[groans]
[Leah screams]
(woman)
Fetch blankets!
[Leah screams]
(woman)
Almost here.
You'll soon be blessed
with a fine son.
Now, push again!
[screaming]
Here it comes!
Where are the blankets?
[baby crying]
We shall call you Judah,
which means "praise."
And that is what
we must offer god:
Praise for his bounty.
4 sons, my husband.
Do you love me now?
Knife. I win.
Oh, what's going on?
You're never happier, Jacob,
Than when your wife
gives you another son.
Leah is a gentle woman.
It would be wrong
to punish her
for what your father did.
You're also my wife.
The children are
a gift from god,
A blessing for all of us.
I want to be like her, Jacob.
Please give me children
or I shall die of pain.
I'm not God.
Children aren't mine to give.
But you were chosen by him.
Why does he prefer Leah?
Tell me what to do.
What can I do?
Lie with my slave girl.
Please lie with her,
so she can give birth
on my knees.
Then I will have
a child of my own.
Please do this for me, Jacob.
Bilhah.
[dog barking]
It's exactly as I predicted.
While Jacob remains here
his god enriches us all.
(Laban)
I hope we will all remember
who kept Jacob here.
How could we forget,
father?
But his second 7
years are nearly up.
How are we going to
keep him?
He has no reason
to leave now.
He has 7 sons by Leah,
2 from the slave girl, Bilhah,
Another by Leah's slave girl,
Zilpah.
And for good measure,
Leah has given him
a daughter, Dinah.
Oh, you've come early
to please an old man.
God has blessed me, father.
What are you talking about?
Father, I am with child.
(Jacob) Rachel's
blessing is a sure sign.
When our child is born,
we will take our leave.
Of course,
I can't stop you going.
But you will be a sorry sight
when you get there.
If you get there at all.
[Laban sighing]
You came empty-handed,
So you must leave
empty-handed.
I think you will
find it difficult
To keep your enormous brood
without water or food
On such a long journey.
You want to keep
me here a prisoner?
No, no, no, no. You've earned
dowries for my daughters.
I'm honor-bound to pay you.
Name your price.
No. I don't want your silver,
I don't want your gold.
But...
I want a share
in your flocks.
I deserve that.
Go through
your entire stock.
Remove all of your
black lambs
And all of your
speckled goats.
They will be my wages.
But all my sheep are white,
and all my goats are black.
You'll have nothing.
I'll have all I need.
I'm guided by the hand
that showed me
the gateway to heaven.
Then tell me
the story again. Please.
(Jacob)
I told Laban
that I would go
through his flocks
and pick out every black lamb
and every speckled goat.
They would be my wages.
But Laban and
his sons cheated
and removed all
the speckled goats
and all the rams
that were black.
Then the angel of God
appeared to me in a dream.
So, I took fresh rods
of poplar and plane trees
and peeled off
strips of bark,
exposing
the white of the rods.
I put the peeled rods
in the water troughs,
and fixed some of them upright
so that they were facing
the she-goats
that were on heat
when they came to drink.
Take the poles out
when the weaker animals
come to drink.
We want to breed
from the strongest.
(Jacob) They mated
in front of the rods,
and gave birth to young
that were striped and spotted
and speckled.
And now you see
why I put my trust
in the Lord.
[lamb bleating]
It's sorcery.
It's robbery.
And when Rachel
has the child...
[grunting]
(Jacob) And the ewes
gave birth to black sheep.
[sheep bleating]
[inaudible]
So our wealth has increased.
Your son.
Joseph.
We shall call you Joseph.
That means
"the one who will add
to our people."
Joseph.
[laughs]
Joseph.
Thank you.
Last night, the Lord
appeared to me again.
It will soon be
time to leave.
(Jacob)
I must do as God tells me,
But I cannot force you
to leave your father.
I think we should all do
what God tells you.
Father sold us for profit.
He got his price.
We are worthless to him now.
Then we must wait our chance.
You must shear your sheep
and move your flocks
to the winter grazing.
It's time!
No. I do as God tells me.
Oh, you and your god.
Your flocks will perish
in the winter snow.
The animals will die.
Then you'll be
praying to my god.
Do as you please.
We move our flocks
and return in 6 days.
[camels grunting]
We leave in 3 days,
when he's farthest from home.
We must be careful.
None of his servants
must know our plan.
[rooster crowing]
[bleating]
We must move faster.
Gilead is still
a good 5 days away.
Will Esau be
there to meet us?
Once he knows we're near,
I think he'll
certainly be there to meet us.
What's the matter?
He's my brother.
Just as Joseph is yours.
There should never be
bad blood in a family.
But I don't think
your grandfather,
Laban would agree.
Fools! Why didn't you send
someone after me?
We did, master,
but you were back
before he found you.
Let's go after him, father.
Let's kill him, and let's
take back the flocks.
No.
But the flocks are ours.
Jacob stole them
by sorcery!
Oh, you won't defeat
Jacob by force!
We need guidance.
[gasps]
I'll follow him
even to his father's tent
and I'll kill him there.
He's no more
than a day's ride ahead.
We pitch camp here
for the night.
(Jacob)
Tomorrow, we'll be
in my brother's land.
I'll ride on ahead and set
the trail for the morning.
(Jacob)
I'm almost home.
Almost home.
It is you, God of my fathers,
Who wins the victories
for your servant Jacob.
It's not the sword
that saved me,
But your guidance and love.
(God)
Listen carefully, Laban.
Do not lay your hand
on the man I have blessed.
Do Jacob no harm.
You have delivered me
from my adversaries.
You have thrown my enemies
into confusion.
[bird cawing]
Simeon.
Simeon.
It's Laban. He's here!
Hey!
[whimpering]
[all cheering]
You see? It's easy.
All you need--
(man)
Esau!
Esau,
your brother.
My brother.
He's less than 2 days
ride away.
Is he alone?
There must be nearly
100 people with him.
Get the men.
I want them armed.
We leave now!
What are you waiting for?
You'll do nothing
unless I tell you.
Jacob. Jacob, my son.
What have you done?
We could have
talked it over, huh?
You're a very clever man,
Laban.
But talking to you
leads to years of servitude.
But why, Jacob,
did you steal my gods?
How can I ignore
such an insult?
Your gods?
(Jacob)
I didn't steal your gods.
How can you deceive me?
I will never do such a thing.
Search my camp.
Whoever stole your gods
shall die.
This I swear
by everything I hold dear.
Why have you got Joseph?
Rachel's sick.
Oh.
Forgive me
for not getting up, father.
I am as women are
once a month.
My dear,
Forgive me.
(Jacob)
Have you found anything?
No.
Then let us go.
They are my daughters,
my children, my livestock.
Everything you see is mine!
But I cannot
go back with you!
I must go on
until I reach the land
promised to me
by Abraham and Isaac.
I worked all those years
only to make myself
worthy of it.
Then this is where
our paths separate.
I swear I shall not
pass this way again
before God.
Nor shall I cross
beyond this point.
If you ill-treat
my daughters,
or betray them
with other women,
The God of Abraham
must be your judge.
(Jacob)
We must offer a sacrifice,
Seal our pact.
[knife slashing]
[goat bleats]
[camel grunting]
He's straight ahead of us.
Come on.
(Esau)
We'll take him tomorrow.
We pitch camp here.
But the sun's still high.
We should go on.
We're now
in the land of Esau.
We go no further
till he and I have
settled our differences.
I want you to prepare
an offering of gifts.
Select the finest
of our lambs and goats,
the best of our ewes
and she-goats,
our very best broadcloth,
and prepare a caravan.
Tzurim.
I want you to
drive it west to Seir.
Find my brother.
Present him with my gifts.
(Jacob) Tell him where I've been
all these years.
Tell him that he is my king
and that what you bring
shows my respect
and obedience.
How long do we stay here?
Until the gifts are delivered
and the messengers return.
2 days there
and 2 days back.
Then we move on.
But why do we wait?
And why should we give
everything we've worked for
to a brother
you haven't seen in years?
He's been with me
every day I've been gone.
I cannot take you
to the land God promised us
until I make peace with Esau.
Why not?
Once, a long time ago,
I wronged Esau.
I endured my trials
to prove to God
that I wanted to atone,
that I learned the lessons
that he sent me.
You understand that,
but does Esau?
(Tzurim)
Jacob!
Jacob!
Jacob!
Tzurim?
Jacob!
What happened?
Why are you back so soon?
Your brother, Esau.
He must have known
you were coming.
He'll be here by daybreak
with a band of armed men.
[Tzurim panting]
Split up into 2 groups.
Divide the goods
and flocks equally.
Then, when I give the order,
one group will follow Rachel
and half my sons,
while the other will go
with Leah and the rest.
Go.
God of Abraham and Isaac.
Save me, I pray,
from my brother Esau.
I fear he will
come and destroy me,
sparing neither
mother nor child.
Deliver me
so that I can fulfill
your promise.
That my descendants will be
like the sand of the sea:
Beyond all counting.
Who's there?
[groaning]
Esau?
Esau?
Who are you?
Why are you
trying to kill me?
If you come from my brother,
take this back as my answer:
You cannot defeat me!
The God of Abraham
is with me!
Only he can break me!
[screams]
[panting]
Is God with you?
Has he deserted me?
You!
(man)
Let go of me.
I could kill you
if I choose.
I won't let go
until you bless me.
I've not come to bless you,
but to make sure
that you don't escape.
Now, let me go.
Not until you bless me.
Isn't that why
the Lord sent you?
Now, give me your blessing!
[grunting]
What is your name?
Jacob!
Your name shall
no longer be Jacob,
But Israel,
because you have
striven with God
as well as with men,
and you have prevailed.
[groans]
Esau.
[grunting]
Father, what happened?
Get back!
He must meet me first, alone.
[hollers]
[baby crying]
Brother.
Suddenly,
I'm his brother again.
Why did you run from me
all these years?
I wronged you.
I feared you would
take your revenge.
It would have been just.
Even he admits it.
Admits it humbly.
I beg your forgiveness.
Damn you.
I came here to punish you.
I wanted to take
your possessions
and leave you penniless.
I wanted to take your people
and leave you with
no one to love you.
I have waited
years for this day.
But now I'm here.
I feel the hand
of Abraham and Isaac.
I can't harm you.
[crying]
And these children...
They're the children
God has blessed me with.
God has blessed you, indeed.
Now, come with me to Seir
and live with me in peace.
I sheathe my sword.
We need time to rest.
To gather ourselves.
Go on ahead.
We'll soon follow.
Very well.
You'd better take shelter.
A storm is coming.
(Jacob)
Get ready to leave.
Leaving now?
Why didn't we go
with Esau?
Because we
aren't going to Seir.
We aren't going to join Esau.
[camels grunting]
Esau and I must go
our separate ways.
Each of us has been promised
a mighty nation.
Look at Joseph.
He's showing us the way.
This way!
[thunder rumbling]
(male narrator)
And Jacob arrived safely
at the town of
Shechem in Canaan
and pitched his
tent to the east of it
on a strip of land
he purchased
from Hamor, prince of Shechem,
for 100 sheep.
He erected an altar
and called it
El-elohe-Israel
For God, the god of Israel,
The name that had been given
to him.