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"They may build, but I will throw down"

Text: Malachi 1:4

THE ARROGANCE OF EDOM

One of the sins that God particularly detests is “arrogance”.

“Even though Edom has said,
‘We have been impoverished,
But we will return and build the desolate places,’
Thus says the LORD of hosts:
‘They may build, but I will throw down;
They shall be called the Territory of Wickedness,
And the people against whom the LORD will have indignation forever.'”
Malachi 1:4

1. “Even though Edom has said, ‘We have been impoverished,

But we will return and build the desolate places'”

a) This reflected the arrogant spirit of Edom.

b) The words “Esau” and “Edom” share the same meaning.

c) God had chastened them by causing them to suffer poverty.

d) They were unrepentant! They did not turn to God.

i) They determined to return to Edom.

ii) They were certain that they can successfully restore their nation.

2. “Thus says the LORD of hosts:

‘They may build, but I will throw down;

They shall be called the Territory of Wickedness,

And the people against whom the LORD will have indignation forever.'”

a) The LORD of hosts noted what they had boastfully declared.

b) He will continually throw down whatever they would build.

c) “Territory of Wickedness”

i) This was what Edom had become.

ii) The people were both arrogant and wicked.

d) “And the people against whom the LORD will have indignation forever”

The LORD would be permanently indignant towards Edom because of their arrogance.