Malachi 1: God loves Jacob/Israel but not vice-versa

Malachi is a prophet that lived around 100 years after exile. The second temple is already built. It is composed of questions. It begins with a statement to the people in post exile:

1 A Message. God’s Word to Israel through Malachi:
2-3 God said, “I love you.”
You replied, “Really? How have you loved us?”

Perhaps, we should expect as an answer something like: "I have made you return from exile, I was with you rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, etc.". Instead, the Lord answers that He, in his power, has chosen Jacob instead of Esau; however that is not because Jacob has been more faithful. In fact:

6 “Isn’t it true that a son honors his father and a worker his master? So if I’m your Father, where’s the honor? If I’m your Master, where’s the respect?” God-of-the-Angel-Armies is calling you on the carpet: “You priests despise me!

Here, Malachi discusses how the chosen people has despised the Lord: when they present defected animals as sacrifices.


It makes me think that I believe that the Lord has chosen me and loved me; however, it is common that I believe on it intellectually. May the Spirit of the Lord rebuke me and lead me back to Him whenever it is necessary.