but Esau I have hated. I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights that God's "hatred" for Esau, and by extension Edom, isn't about personal animosity but a declared judgment resulting in perpetual desolation, contrasting with Israel's eventual restoration. The imagery of leaving their heritage to "jackals of the desert" powerfully signifies a complete and enduring ruin, far beyond mere temporary hardship.
but Esau I have hated. I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Malachi begins by declaring God's enduring love for Israel, but the people question this claim, prompting God to contrast their history with that of their brother nation, Edom (descended from Esau). God reveals that while Jacob (Israel's ancestor) was chosen, Esau was rejected, and his land, once a heritage, was left in ruins for wild animals, symbolizing a permanent desolation not experienced by Israel.
The word "hated" in Scripture can feel harsh and unloving. What does it really mean when God says He "hated" Esau?
When Malachi says God "hated Esau," it’s crucial to understand this isn't about God's emotional dislike or a condemnation of individuals for eternity. Instead, it speaks to God's sovereign choice and the distinct historical paths He ordained for the descendants of Jacob (Israel) and Esau (Edom).
A Choice in Election
The verse describes Esau's land being left to jackals. What does this imagery of desolation reveal about God's justice?
The judgment described against Esau's heritage in Malachi 1:3 is a stark picture of God's historical justice and the consequences of a nation's actions.
A Land Left to Jackals
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Understand the original words
sane' · Hebrew Verb
In a biblical context, this indicates divine rejection, judicial withdrawal of covenantal favor, or the setting aside of a person or group in favor of another for redemptive purposes.
Malachi's words about Esau's desolation stand in stark contrast to the partial restoration of Israel after Babylonian exile, highlighting God's sovereign purposes and the enduring consequences of national actions.
c. 722 BC
Assyrian Conquest of Israel
The northern kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrian Empire, leading to the exile of many Israelites. Edom remains largely independent but under growing regional pressure.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon begins his campaigns against Judah, taking nobles and skilled workers, including Daniel, into exile. Edom is within the Babylonian sphere of influence.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
More Judeans are exiled to Babylon, including King Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel. Edomite involvement in the fall of Jerusalem is noted in other prophetic texts.
c. 586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Destruction of the Temple
Nebuchadnezzar conquers Jerusalem, destroys the Temple, and exiles most of the remaining population. Edomites are noted for their hostile actions against the fleeing Jews.
c. 582 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's Campaign Against Edom
Following the fall of Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar campaigns against Edom, fulfilling prophecies of its devastation. The Edomites are scattered and their land is laid waste, as Malachi describes.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
The Persian Empire under Cyrus conquers Babylon. This marks the beginning of the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Temple, contrasting with Edom's continued desolation.
This passage directly foreshadows the divine election mentioned in Malachi, where God states that 'two nations are in your womb, and two peoples born of you shall be divided; the elder shall serve the younger.'
Romans 9:13Paul explicitly quotes Malachi 1:3 to illustrate God's sovereign choice and predestination, emphasizing that God's purposes stand regardless of human works or lineage.
Jeremiah 49:17-18This prophecy foretells the desolation of Edom (descendants of Esau) by Nebuchadnezzar, directly aligning with Malachi's statement about Esau's heritage being laid waste.
Obadiah 1:10-14The entire book of Obadiah details God's judgment against Edom for their violence against Judah, providing a broader context for the divine 'hatred' or judgment described in Malachi.
Psalm 137:7This psalm reflects the historical animosity and actions of the Edomites against Jerusalem, particularly during its downfall, showing a pattern of opposition that God addresses through Malachi.
wesleyMalachi 1:3: "And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness."
1:3 I hated - I loved not Esau's posterity as I loved Jacob's. His heritage - Mount Seir with the neighbouring mountains. Waste - By Nebuchadnezzar's arms five years after the sacking of Jerusalem, and whereas Jacob's captivity returned, and their cities were rebuilt, Esau's never were. The dragons - Creatures which delight in desolate places, by which the utter desolation of Esau i…
clarkeMalachi 1:3: "And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness."
And I hated Esau - I have shown him less love; Genesis 29:30 , Genesis 29:31 . I comparatively hated him by giving him an inferior lot. And now, I have not only laid waste the dwelling-place of the Edomites, by the incursions of their enemies; but ( Malachi 1:4 ) they shall remain the perpetual monuments of my vengeance. On the subject of loving Jacob and hating Esau, see the notes…
This verse highlights that God's "hatred" for Esau, and by extension Edom, isn't about personal animosity but a declared judgment resulting in perpetual desolation, contrasting with Israel's eventual restoration. The imagery of leaving their heritage to "jackals of the desert" powerfully signifies a complete and enduring ruin, far beyond mere temporary hardship.
Malachi begins by declaring God's enduring love for Israel, but the people question this claim, prompting God to contrast their history with that of their brother nation, Edom (descended from Esau). God reveals that while Jacob (Israel's ancestor) was chosen, Esau was rejected, and his land, once a heritage, was left in ruins for wild animals, symbolizing a permanent desolation not experienced by Israel.
Malachi begins by declaring God's enduring love for Israel, but the people question this claim, prompting God to contrast their history with that of their brother nation, Edom (descended from Esau). God reveals that while Jacob (Israel's ancestor) was chosen, Esau was rejected, and his land, once a heritage, was left in ruins for wild animals, symbolizing a permanent desolation not experienced by Israel.
"but Esau I have hated. I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert.”" — This verse highlights that God's "hatred" for Esau, and by extension Edom, isn't about personal animosity but a declared judgment resulting in perpetual desolation, contrasting with Israel's eventual…
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Last reviewed October 2026