The answer is: Jacob

Gen 30:31-32

Ah, the tale of Jacob and Laban! This narrative from Genesis showcases quite a colorful negotiation. Jacob, who is often remembered as a trickster but also a ardent worker, concocts a bold plan when dealing with his uncle Laban. To grasp the scene better, one must remember that this was an era when livestock was not just a means of livelihood; it symbolized wealth and identity.

As part of their agreement, Jacob crafts a clever method to acquire a large share of Laban's assets. He wanted the dark-colored sheep! This sounds straightforward, but those few black sheep actually represented an uphill battle, considering that, historically, a majority of sheep are white. Jacob employed an imaginative breeding technique, placing striped rods in front of the thirsty animals, allowing selective breeding to work in his favor. Voilà! What follows Laban’s trickery and Jacob’s schemes bears testament to the understanding of humans’ attempts to manipulate nature.

Did you know that the symbolism of lambs and sheep carries profound resonances throughout the Bible? Eventually, it would echo in the fertile ground of Christian evaluation around Jesus, referred to as the "Lamb of God."

Jacob’s story teaches us about ambition and resourcefulness—qualities as valuable today as they were in those dusty sheep pastures. In difficult times, creativity may just be the graze of gold necessary to tide one over!