L’elezione di Israele in Malachia 1,2-5

Malachi 1:2-5 places the love of Yhwh for Jacob in an opposing position to the hatred of Yhwh towards his brother Esau, the representative of the nation of Edom originating from him. This article intends to present the theme of the election of Israel present in Malachi 1:2-5, bearing in mind the overall message of the book of Malachi. The current interest in the Twelve Minor Prophets as one book has prompted the investigation of some similarities and differences between Malachi and other writings. The passage should not be interpreted as the conflict between Israel and Edom, the symbol of enemy nations in the prophets. It must rather be understood in the sense of an opposition within the chosen people between those who are loyal to the covenant and those who transgress. Those who are disloyal to the covenant within Israel will be subject to misfortune like Edom. The passage serves to establish the need for a corresponding response of the chosen people to the initiative of Yhwh.