## 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"
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