Abstract

WIELENGA, Bob. The God who hates: The significance of Esau/Edom in the postexilic prophetic eschatology according to Malachi 1:2-5 with a systematic theological postscript. In Skriflig (Online) [online]. 2022, vol.56, n.1, pp.1-9. ISSN 2305-0853.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/ids.v56i1.2822.

This research wants to clarify the significance of Esau/Edom in Malachi's postexilic prophetic eschatology. Hence, its focus is on the declaration of divine hate for Esau/Edom in Malachi 1:3, applying the Deuteronomic covenant concept, predominant in Malachi, for a deeper understanding of its significance in the acrimonious dialogues between God and his people. As much as this declaration of divine hate is coordinated in Malachi 1:2-5 with the declaration of divine love for Jacob/Israel, nevertheless, it has a distinct communicative intent of its own in Malachi's prophetic address. Postexilic Jacob/Israel is confronted with the possibility of a judgement such as Esau/Edom's if return to God does not occur - ultimate judgement imagined as a burning furnace leaving nothing but ashes on the Day of the Lord. This article wants to contribute to a deeper understanding of the function of divine hate in the judgement prophecy of Malachi. CONTRIBUTION: This article intends to contribute from a biblical-theological perspective to the systematic theological discussion about the doctrine of God within the Christian community of faith, focusing on the divine names and attributes in Malachi 1:2-5

Keywords : Malachi's eschatology; Esau [Edom]; divine love and hate; Deuteronomic covenant curses; treaty betrayal; names and attributes of God.

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