1:1–5 Israel is not convinced that God loves them. This section is God’s response to that cynical doubt. The Lord reminds Israel that Jacob, their ancestor, was chosen by God while Esau, Edom’s forefather, was rejected. Therefore, although Israel has experienced the Lord’s wrath for just a little while, Edom is a “people with whom the Lord is angry forever” (1:4). Furthermore, while Israel is heir of the everlasting promises of their covenant Lord, Edom will never rise again. The Lord’s judgment on Edom will be cause for praise in Israel.