WHY DOES THE BIBLE SAY JACOB I’VE LOVED BUT ESAU I’VE HATED

This is a rather strange statement don’t you think? Why would God hate anyone when he commands us not to hate?

This statement originates in Malachi 1:2-3 where God affirms his love for Israel, “I have loved you”, says the Lord. In yet you (Israel) say, “In what way have you loved us? Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” Says the Lord. “Yet Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated, and laid waste his mountains and his heritage for the jackals of the wilderness.”

To understand this statement we must go back to the beginning. In Genesis Issac’s wife Rebekah conceives but the children struggled together within her. Concerned about the discomfort in her womb. Rebekah said, “If all is well, why am I like this?” When she inquires of the Lord, he replies, “two nations are in your womb, and two peoples shall be separated from your body; one people will be stronger than the other and the older shall serve the younger.” So when her days were fulfilled for her to give birth, indeed there were twins in her womb. And the first came out red. He was like a hairy garment all over so they called him Esau. Afterward his brother came out, and his hand took hold of Esau’s heel; so his name was called Jacob (Genesis 25:21-26).

Esau is the father of the nation of the Edomites for his name was also called Edom (Genesis 25:30; Genesis 36:1). Jacob who’s name was later changed to Israel (Genesis 32:28) is the father of the Israelites, the twelve tribes of Israel. These are the two nations that struggled in their mother’s womb.

Now that we have a historical background, back to the original question, why would God love Jacob and hate Esau?

The statement was made by God because of sovereign election. God chose Jacob over Esau because it pleased him to do so before they were born; and not only this, but when Rebecca also conceived by one man, even our father Isaac (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of him who calls), it was said to her, “The older shall serve the younger.” As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I’ve hated.” (Romans 9:10-13). The brother’s descendants were in conflict for centuries (Numbers 20:14-21).

God didn’t hate Esau in the normal sense of the word in as much God established a covenant relationship with Israel only. Deuteronomy 7:6-8 says, “For thou art an holy people unto himself, above all the earth. The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you because you were more in number than any people; for you were fewest of all people. But because the Lord loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers…The Israelites were the chosen (i.e. loved) nation by God to be a light to all nations of the earth (Isaiah 19:24; Isaiah 42;6; Isaiah 49:6). The Messiah, Jesus is a descendant of Israel. For he was born in the tribe of Judah. The descendants of Esau (The Edomites) were not chosen (i.e. hated) rather they became an enemy of God and the subject of his wrath. The destruction of the Edomites is found in the book of Obadiah along with Isaiah 34:5-17;Jeremiah 49:7-22; Ezekiel 32:29.

In conclusion, the children of Israel, God’s chosen are still here today because of their relationship with God which he established with them centuries ago whereas the children of Esau no longer exist. God never made a covenant with them and prophesied their destruction which came to pass; hence explains the love/hate relationship God had with Jacob and Esau.