Israel Doubts God’s Love

² “I have loved^(A) you,” says the Lord.

“But you ask,^(B) ‘How have you loved us?’

“Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the Lord. “Yet I have loved Jacob,^(C)

⁴ And you will know that I have sent you this warning so that my covenant with Levi^(A) may continue,” says the Lord Almighty.

⁶ True instruction^(A) was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked^(B) with me in peace^(C) and uprightness,^(D) and turned many from sin.^(E)

³ He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver;^(A) he will purify^(B) the Levites and refine them like gold and silver.^(C) Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness,^(D)

⁴ and the offerings^(A) of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the Lord, as in days gone by, as in former years.^(B)