FROM SHEM TO JACOB

Midrash Rabbah - Numbers 4:8

TAKE THE LEVITES, etc. (Numbers 3:45).

Shem died and handed it on to Abraham … The fact is that because he was a righteous man the birthright was transferred to him and he offered sacrifices; as it says: And offered him up for a burnt-offering in the stead of his son (Genesis 32:13). Abraham died and handed it on to Isaac. Isaac arose and handed it on to Jacob … Jacob having taken the birthright began to offer sacrifices as it says: And God said unto Jacob: Arise, go up to Beth-el, and dwell there; and make there an altar unto God, etc. (Genesis 35:1).