How People Relate .. even in a Family

Genesis 25

Inspired thots

Abraham lived a long life of 175 years and had many sons...
But it is recorded that the sons of Ishmael (from Hagar) were hostile people. They did not relate well with one another.

Then, Isaac and Rebekah had Esau and Jacob. Isaac loved Esau because of the game Esau caught while Rebekah loved Jacob for his homey nature. Two different personalities caused the parents to be pulled towards one and not the other.

Esau and Jacob did not get along too well; Esau was harsh and rash while Jacob was gentle and quick to seize opportunities even from his own brother on his birthright. Perhaps he learned from his mother important lessons on God and birthrights. He was quick to manipulate on Esau's shallow understanding of birthrights and blessings to take over the birthright for a temporal benefit.

Jacob was far-sighted.
Hence, people can relate very differently with one another; even in a family if there has not been proper interaction skills and the fear of God teaching in the home. I believe that was lacking in Ishmael's home that caused his sons to live in hostility with one another - taking on the attitude "all for myself".

Perhaps Esau was out too often in the field for wild game hunting that he did not listen to the important teachings of God and His ways. Time must be given on learning the ways of God.