The answer is: Abraham

Genesis 25:26 - Jacob, a key patriarch in the Bible, was the grandson of Abraham. This family connection highlights God's covenant promises through generations, as seen in Genesis 12:2-3 where God promises Abraham that his descendants will be a great nation. Jacob later receives the name Israel, further deepening his significance in biblical history.

Jacob had quite the family tree, and knowing that Abraham is his grandfather defines not just their bloodline but a legacy of faith and promises. Abraham, revered as a towering figure in both Jewish and broader traditions, was the first to have a direct covenant with God, which included those monumental promises about his descendants. It's fascinating to think about how significant these family ties are since they reflect the thread of God's plan through generations.

Jacob, later named Israel, becomes the father of the twelve tribes of Israel, windmilling through various trials and tribulations that somewhat echo the struggles of the modern human experience. Another fun trivia nugget is that Jacob had a tricky relationship with his father, Isaac, and his brother, Esau—more like a biblical family soap opera! Plus, when Jacob wrestles with an angel, as framed in Genesis 32, it’s a striking reflection of the human struggle for understanding and reconnection with divine purpose.

Considering the names, Jeremiah couches life's perseverance within names: "A name can shape destiny." Isn't it fitting that Israel’s first king, Saul, was from the tribe of Benjamin—a descendant of Jacob's son Rachel? Biblical narratives often swirl together workouts of history, faith, and lineage that still resonate with seekers today!