SUMMARY
The prophet argues that God has loved the people by treating them differently from other nations.
ANALYSIS
In the first of several dialogues, the people challenge the prophet’s assertion that God loves them. God seeks to prove divine love by arguing that the children of Israel have been given preferential treatment over other nations. As an example, the descendants of Jacob’s brother, EsauSon of Isaac and Rebekah and the older twin brother of Jacob. More – the Kingdom of Edom – have faced national calamity similar to Israel and JudahJudah was the name of Jacob's fourth son and one of the 12 tribes. More. But whereas Judah was returning and reconstructing their society under God’s protection, Edom’s reconstruction efforts would only result in futility. This would cause outside observers to acclaim that God is exalted even outside the Land of Israel.
