Jacob
Schemer, con artist, opportunist, coward - all these labels can legitimately be applied to Jacob. But, "chosen of God?" Hero of the faith? Father of the Israelites? It seems unlikely, at least in his early days.

Jacob, born to Isaac and Rebekah, was the second twin to come out of the womb. But before he and his brother were born, God told Rebekah that two nations would come from her and that the older would serve the younger. This was in direct opposition to the traditions of that day, which held that the oldest son should receive the primary inheritance.

When Jacob grew up, he and his mother plotted to steal the rights and blessing of the firstborn away from Jacob's brother, Esau.

Still later, Jacob managed to obtain the best of his father-in-law's herds. Although Jacob plotted and schemed for many of the things he obtained, the real source of his blessings was God, who had chosen him before birth to be the father of the Israelites.

Jacob and his twin, Esau, are born to Isaac and Rebekah.
Genesis 25:19-28
Jacob buys the rights of the firstborn with a bowl of stew. Later he tricks Esau out of their father's blessing, which was intended for the firstborn.
Genesis 25:29-34; 27:1-40
Jacob flees from Esau's anger taking refuge with his mother's people. God blesses him there with many possessions and children.
Genesis 27:41 - 28:9; 29:1 - 30:43
Jacob runs from his father-in-law. Upon nearing his homeland, Jacob is surprised to find himself warmly welcomed by Esau.
Genesis 31:1 - 33:20
Jacob encounters God, who promises to establish his covenant with Jacob, as he had with Jacob's father and grandfather. God changes Jacob's name to Israel.
Genesis 28:10-22; 32:22-32; 35:1-14
Jacob, in his old age, goes to Egypt, where God has established Jacob's son Joseph as second in command. Before dying, Jacob blesses his sons.
Genesis 46:1 - 50:14
Acts 7:11-16
Hebrews 11:21
God chooses Jacob and his descendants, the Israelites, to be his special possession.
Deuteronomy 9:4-6
Romans 9:10-13