Jacob - Esau. See Genesis 25:23. Representing their respective nations, as often in the Old Testament. Numbers 23:7; Numbers 23:10; Numbers 23:23; Numbers 24:5; Jeremiah 49:10; compare also the original of the citation, Malachi 1:2; Malachi 1:3, the burden of the word of the Lord to Israel. Compare also Edom in ver. 4, synonymous with Esau in ver. 3; and Israel, ver. 5, synonymous with Jacob, ver. 2.

Hated [ε μ ι σ η σ α]. The expression is intentionally strong as an expression of moral antipathy. Compare Matthew 6:24; Luke 14:26. No idea of malice is implied of course.

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Old Testament