Mal 1:2 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Mal 1:2-5: 1:2-5 Malachi’s sermons are literary disputations —a format that calls to mind the setting of a courtroom and establishes the tone of a trial for the prophet’s message. This first disputation presents the truth that God loves Israel (1:2 ). The prophet then debates this thesis with his audience in the five messages that follow. 1:2 loved: In portraying a relationship between the Lord and Israel, love has covenant implications. The term may be equated with God’s choice, or election, of Israel as his people. Malachi’s message indicates that the other dimensions of God’s unconditional covenant love for Israel (such as his patient mercy; see 3:6 , 17 ) are also still operative. See also Rom 9:13 .

fRom 9:13►

‏ Malachi 1:2

Summary for Mal 1:2-5: 1:2-5 ^a Malachi’s sermons are literary disputations—a format that calls to mind the setting of a courtroom and establishes the tone of a trial for the prophet’s message. This first disputation presents the truth that God loves Israel (1:2 ^b). The prophet then debates this thesis with his audience in the five messages that follow. 1:2 ^c loved: In portraying a relationship between the Lord and Israel, love has covenant implications. The term may be equated with God’s choice, or election, of Israel as his people. Malachi’s message indicates that the other dimensions of God’s unconditional covenant love for Israel (such as his patient mercy; see 3:6 ^d, 17 ^e) are also still operative. See also Rom 9:13 ^f.