Family Dynamic

This is the account of the descendants of Esau (also known as Edom). [Genesis 36.1]

Edom = red. And, it was all over a red stew Jacob must have become quite adept at preparing as a young man.

One day when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau arrived home from the wilderness exhausted and hungry. Esau said to Jacob, “I’m starved! Give me some of that red stew!” (This is how Esau got his other name, Edom, which means “red.”) [Genesis 25.29-30]

Sadly many of Esau's descendants would become enemies of Israel. But it is no surprise as it was foretold before the twin boys Jacob and Esau were even born.

And the LORD told her [Rebekah], “The sons in your womb will become two nations. From the very beginning, the two nations will be rivals. One nation will be stronger than the other; and your older son will serve your younger son.” [Genesis 25.23]

Isn't it interesting that Edom (the descendants of Esau) carried their name because of Jacob's red stew? Did Jacob entice Esau with that red stew? Was the biblical account of Esau selling his birthright over his craving for red stew the first time that meal cost Esau something? I find it hard to believe this instance was the first time Jacob's red stew manipulated Esau - I find it hard to believe a nickname ("Red") would have stuck if this was the only time this happened.

Here is another interesting point to ponder. Is it not entirely possible that the red stew Jacob prepared was made with wild game Esau took?

Isaac loved Esau because he enjoyed eating the wild game Esau brought home, but Rebekah loved Jacob. [Genesis 25.28]

Is it not also possible that Jacob's preparation of the red stew was not even for Esau's pleasure as much as it was for Isaac's pleasure? Is it not quite possible that Jacob ('momma's boy') was trying to earn favor with his father Isaac by having some part in (preparing) the wild game Isaac loved so much?

We all know every family has unique dynamics. The questions above point out some possible dynamics of Isaac's family.

I have no idea if this has any spiritual significance, but it is interesting to consider!

Father, help me to understand more of the family dynamic of Jacob and Esau. In so doing, help me to have a more complete idea of what took place and why it might have taken place relative to this family dynamic.