976 B
976 B
The declaration of the word of Yahweh to Israel by the hand of Malachi
"Yahweh spoke these words to Israel through Malachi"
by the hand of Malachi
through the action of Malachi (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy)
But you say, "How have you loved us?"
This question indicates doubt, or questions the truth of God's words. God is using a question to rebuke the people. Alternate translation: "But you say, 'You have not loved us!'" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion)
declares Yahweh
"Yahweh has solemnly said this"
I have loved Jacob
Yahweh chose to have a relationship with Jacob as his God.
Esau I have hated
Yahweh rejected Esau.
I have made his mountains an abandoned devastation
"I have made his mountains unfit to live in"
and I have made his inheritance a place for the jackals of the wilderness
"and I have made the lands he inherited a desert where only wild animals can live"