Definition: Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the LORD hath indignation for ever.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a pretty powerful and complex passage, so we'll go through it step-by-step: Overall Meaning: This verse is about God’s judgment on a nation called Edom – a specific group of people who were historically associated with bitterness and rebellion. It’s essentially saying that God will punish them severely for their actions. Let’s unpack it line by line: “Malachi 1:4” : This refers to a specific passage in the book of Malachi, which is part of the Old Testament. It's a prophecy – a prediction about the future. “Whereas Edom saith…” : This means "And Malachi says..." It’s setting up a comparison. “…We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places…” : Edom was historically associated with being poor and sometimes resentful. This part of the verse suggests that God sees Edom's past behavior as causing them to be in a difficult situation – “poor” - but also acknowledges their potential for redemption. They will return and rebuild something. “thus saith the LORD of hosts…” : This is a very important phrase – it means "And the Lord speaks..." It’s authoritative and serious. “They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the LORD hath indignation for ever.” : This is the core of the verse's message: “They shall build…” : God intends to help Edom rebuild – to create something new, possibly a city or area. “…I will throw down” : This is a dramatic statement of God’s power. He’s going to actively destroy their efforts. “The border of wickedness…” : This is the key part. "Wickedness" here means something morally wrong, rebellious, and causing trouble for others. It suggests that Edom has been acting in ways that are harmful to God and to humanity. “And, The people against whom the LORD hath indignation for ever.” : This emphasizes the severity of the punishment. God is deeply angered by their actions and will forever keep them in his judgment. It's a lasting consequence. Putting it all together – A deeper understanding: The verse paints a picture of a cycle of bitterness and suffering. Edom was historically seen as having been wronged, leading to resentment. God’s response is a forceful punishment designed to cleanse the land and its people from that negativity. It's about justice being served, but also a demonstration of God’s power and his commitment to his people. Important Note: This verse often gets misinterpreted. It doesn’t necessarily mean that Edom will ultimately be destroyed in a literal sense. Instead, it's a symbolic message about the need for repentance, forgiveness, and restoration – a call to change course from wrongdoing. Resources you might find helpful if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/bible](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/bible) - Provides different translations and context. Wikipedia – Malachi 1:4: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malachi_1:4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malachi_1:4) - A good overview of the verse's history, meaning, and significance. --- Would you like me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like a deeper dive into the symbolism behind "wickedness" or the historical context of Edom?