"Jacob Have I Loved"

Jacob intimidates me. I can't even begin to develop a coherent theory as to who/what he is. Mostly because I'm one of those viewers who doesn't want to figure it out before the writers choose to reveal it to me. I want to be shocked. I want my mind to be blown, my world to be rocked, my television-viewing life to be forever altered.

But this won't stop me from a little brainstorming, Bible-reading and casual Jacob-speak with friends. And apparently, according to some Lost-gossipers, there is a rumor circulating that Boone is Jacob. I don't quite buy it (at all), but I wouldn't be surprised if we see him again. Because this "dead" business does not mean "out of the picture."

Just as it is written: "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."
~Romans 9:13

Jacob: The super-quick, non-thorough, potentially-relating-to-Lost Bible lesson:

The Old Testament Jacob was a twin. He was the second-born, but in a birthright-in-exchange-for-soup twist, he managed to end up with the ranking and blessing usually bestowed on the eldest.

He disguised himself as his elder brother so that his dying blind father would bless him instead. Tricky. This deception left Esau (the eldest) swearing to kill Jacob.

Jacob fled for his life. And had the "Jacob's Ladder" vision.

He falls in love with his uncle's youngest daughter. He agrees to work for his uncle for seven years in exchange for Rachel's hand in marriage.

Seven years later, he is deceived. His veiled bride is Leah, Rachel's older sister. So he works another seven years so that he can have Rachel too.

Lots of family drama (what, with a favorite barren wife and a fertile unloved one). Eventually (and this is uber-key), Rachel gives birth to Joseph (known for his Technicolor dream coat -- and yes, Jacob has a favorite son) and Benjamin. Yes, BEN. Rachel dies in childbirth. So Ben is pretty special.

Jacob eventually escapes his father-in-law (after becoming quite wealthy).

Jacob wrestles with God. He limps for the rest of his life after this. He is renamed Israel. And says, "I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared."

He reconciles with Esau.

His twelve sons comprise the twelve tribes of Israel.

And a drum roll.... Jacob is the great-great-grandfather of Aaron.

Any thoughts? Keep in mind that the parallels are probably only partial. Because the writers like to reference a myriad of sources and influences. Just to keep things interesting and confusing. And the Biblical Jacob certainly isn't the only Jacob out there. Nor does his name necessarily have to dictate his character.

quick Jacob summary

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"Jacob Have I Loved"

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