Dysfunctionality and God's Oil of Joy

Jacob and Esau are an interesting study because in today's analysis, this family would be characterized as dysfunctional with codependency issues. Jacob and his mother betrayed his father to steal Esau’s blessing. Conferring this blessing was a prestigious occasion. By stealing Esau’s blessing, Jacob became an executor of the estate, including power of attorney with authority over all family members.

 

Esau’s anger quickly evolved into hatred. In this turmoil Esau became homicidal. If Jacob’s mother had not intervened, Esau would have killed his brother. How do you think Esau managed to control himself with all that internalized anger and hatred just waiting to explode on Jacob?

It is unquestionable that hatred is wrong and destructive. Psalm 45:7 enlightens us. “You love righteousness and hate wickedness. Therefore, you O God have placed us above the standards and ways of this world and anointed us with the oil of joy.” God’s oil of joy calms our nerves and soul.