1:2b,3
“Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated”. This sort of phrase can cause us sensitive souls a problem, we don’t like the idea of God hating. However, it says what it says and is God’s word, so let’s look at it a little more closely. First of all Jacob and Esau were both sinners. Jacob was a rather devious individual, but also one who sought God. Esau was ready to sell his birthright for a single meal. God showed grace to Jacob, Esau got the judgement he deserved. At the time Jerusalem was being rebuilt, albeit slowly and still facing a multitude of problems and difficulties. Edom (the land of Esau) had helped the Babylonians when they defeated Jerusalem. Edom was now a wasteland. So the situation was that Edom was a mess and was going to get no help from God. Israel was also something of a mess, but would receive help from God. The difference between God’s treatment of Jacob and Esau is sometimes framed as though it is a rather capricious act on God’s part. This is not the case. Edom got what she deserved, Israel received grace that she did not deserve.
1:4,5
Edom, although she was a mess, made great claims that she would rebuild her ruins. She might say this, but her words would prove to be empty, for God was against her. They would always be under God’s wrath. Israel would see this and see that God’s power extended beyond the borders of Israel. We can see a picture here that can be applied to the whole world. All have sinned, but some receive mercy, and it is entirely in God’s hands who receives mercy. Moreover, God’s power extends to the whole earth, certainly far beyond the confines of the church.
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