The Edomites, descendants of Esau, harbored a deep-seated hatred for Israel, perpetuated through generations. This animosity manifested in cruelty and violence against Israel, as described in Amos 1:11-12, where Edom pursued his brother with the sword, showing no pity and maintaining perpetual anger and wrath. The Amalekites, also from the line of Esau, exemplified this cruelty by attacking the weak and vulnerable among the Israelites as they left Egypt, as noted in Deuteronomy 25:17-18. They did not fear God and targeted those at the rear of the Israelite march, demonstrating a ruthless and destructive nature. This pattern of cruelty continued with Haman, an Agagite, who plotted genocide against the Jews, showcasing the same violent and pitiless characteristics of his Amalekite ancestors.

Self-will manifests in harsh and destructive characteristics, notably cruelty. In Genesis 49:5-7, Jacob curses Simeon and Levi for their vengeful and violent acts against Shechem, describing their anger as fierce and cruel. This cruelty, born of self-will, leads to severe consequences, as their tribes receive no inheritance and are scattered throughout Israel. Such behavior exemplifies how self-will drives actions that harm others and defy justice and mercy, underscoring its dangerous and destructive nature.

Cruelty in the relationship between Esau and Jacob led to severe consequences. Esau's hatred and pride against Jacob resulted in violence and perpetual enmity against Israel, whom God considered the apple of His eye. Esau's actions were in direct opposition to God's will, leading to God's decree of annihilation for Edom due to their cruelty and violence. This cruelty manifested in gloating over Israel's calamities, pillaging, selling into slavery, and taking territory, which God took great offense to, promising to cut them off forever because of these heinous acts.