God chose to establish his covenant through Jacob, not his older twin Esau. He decreed his choice to their mother Rebekah before they were born. Nevertheless Jacob schemed and connived, with his mothers help, to gain by deceit what God planned to give freely. They were no help to God. He accomplished his purpose in spite of them. There is much to criticize in every member of the family. Why would God choose to work through such an imperfect person as Jacob? Because he has no alternatives. If Jacob can receive grace, so can anyone else who is willing to trust God.