How Have You Loved Us?

536 B.C. Second Temple Work Begins Historical Events Surrounding Malachi 536 B.C. Second Temple Work Begins 526 B.C. Temple Work Stops Due To Opposition 518-520 B.C. Haggai and Zechariah encourage the people 515 B.C. Temple Reconstruction Completed

460-440 B.C. Malachi’s Prophecy Historical Events Surrounding Malachi 460-440 B.C. Malachi’s Prophecy 458 B.C. Ezra Leads A Group To Return To Jerusalem 445-430 B.C. Nehemiah Returns To Jerualem 445 B.C. Walls of Jerusalem Rebuilt 432 B.C. Nehemiah Returns To The King

“The oracle of the word of the LORD to Israel through Malachi.” An “oracle” is a message of heavy condemnation.

“The oracle of the word of the LORD to Israel through Malachi.” The use of the word “LORD” (YHWH) is the Hebrew Name for God. It’s meaning is, “I AM that I AM”. Personal Name for God.

Three Things Are Stated In Verse 1 God charged Malachi with the task of giving God’s Word to Israel. Malachi had a burden to speak. Malachi preached these words to Israel, mostly to returned exiles.

Jabbok River, outside of Amman, Jordan; After crossing the Jabbok, Jacob wrestled with the Lord. ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/KRISTEN HILLER (37/0035)

Malachi 1:2-5 2 ‘I have loved you’, says the LORD. But you say, ‘How have You love us?’ ‘Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?’, declares the LORD. ‘Yet I have loved Jacob;’

Malachi 1:2-5 3 ‘but I have hated Esau, and I have made his mountains a desolation and appointed his inheritance for the jackals of the wilderness.’

Malachi 1:2-5 4 Though Edom says, ‘We have been beaten down, but we will return and build up the ruins’; thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘They may build, but I will tear down; and men will call them the wicked territory and the people toward whom the LORD is indignant forever.’

Malachi 1:2-5 5 ‘Your eyes will see this’

Jacob vs. Esau During Edom’s periods of independence they were a constant “thorn in the flesh” to Israel and Judah, capturing cities and villages, plundering rich caravans and making nuisance raids during the harvest. When Judah was trying to rebuilt they were very vocal in their threats and opposition.

Jacob vs. Esau The Key The LORD Loved Jacob (Israel) The LORD hated Esau

NOTE: Isaiah 34:5-17 prophesied Edom’s ultimate and final destruction. Malachi 1:3 is the fulfillment

Isaiah 63:10 “But they rebelled and grieved the Holy Spirit; Therefore He turned Himself to become their enemy, He fought against them.”

Isaiah 63:7a “I shall make mention of the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD has granted us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel...”

Isaiah 63:7b “Which He has granted them according to His compassion and according to the abundance of His lovingkindnesses.”

Lamentations 3:22-23 22The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. 23They are new every morning: Great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23 22The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. 23They are new every morning: Great is Your faithfulness.

The broad wall; This city wall was apparently built in the days of Hezekiah, king of Judah (late 8th century B.C.) as part of his refortifying the city in preparation for an Assyrian attack. The wall was built partly over the ruins of earlier houses, which were destroyed to make way for the wall (see Isa. 22:10 - “You counted the houses of Jerusalem so that you could tear them down to fortify the wall.). This wall, 7 meters thick, has been exposed for a length of 65 meters of which, 45 meters are still visible, running from north to south. The unusual thickness of the wall suggests that this might be the “Broad Wall” mentioned in Nehemiah 3:8 and 12:38. ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/JUSTIN VENEMAN (35/68/84)

Beyond the Borders In our community? In Acadiana? In Louisiana? In the world?

Revelation 5:9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.”

Back to our first question: Why do children question their parent’s love? When have you had hard times when you questioned God’s love for you?