## The declaration of the word of Yahweh to Israel by the hand of Malachi ##

"Yahweh spoke these words to Israel through Malachi"

## by the hand of Malachi ##

through the action of Malachi (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

## But you say, "How have you loved us?" ##

This question indicates doubt, or questions the truth of God's words. God is using a question to rebuke the people. Alternate translation: "But you say, 'You have not loved us!'" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

## declares Yahweh ##

"Yahweh has solemnly said this"

## I have loved Jacob ##

Yahweh chose to have a relationship with Jacob as his God.

## Esau I have hated ##

Yahweh rejected Esau.

## I have made his mountains an abandoned devastation ##

"I have made his mountains unfit to live in"

## and I have made his inheritance a place for the jackals of the wilderness ##

"and I have made the lands he inherited a desert where only wild animals can live"