Questions sometimes arise from passages such as:
“Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.”
Malachi 1:2–3; Romans 9:13
In Malachi, Jacob and Esau represent not merely two individuals but two peoples: Israel and Edom. The language concerns covenant election, historical purpose, and divine judgment.
Biblical language can also use “hate” comparatively to describe choosing one over another. Jesus uses similar language in Luke 14:26, where devotion to Him must exceed every other loyalty.
This language should not be used to teach that God emotionally despises His children whenever they disobey.
Scripture teaches that God disciplines His children because He loves them:
“For whom the Lord loves He disciplines.”
Hebrews 12:6
God opposes sin, judges rebellion, and calls His people to holiness. At the same time, His fatherly discipline is not the same as personal hatred or abandonment.
John Hargrove Seeking Truth and Reality 