This study explores the literary phenomenon that, at crucial crossroads, the line of promise of “Israel” is continued through the younger brother instead of the firstborn son, which is so important otherwise. This motif ofsubversion is limited to the book of Genesis, where it is used not less than twelve times. The analysis of forms, contexts and functions of this motif reveals a strictly constructed narrative concept. This construction enables an attribution of identity to Israel which justifies Israel’s special role among other peoples, legitimizes it and shapes its profile theologically.