1:4a
Edom: This refers to the Edomites, the descendants of Edom. Edom was another name used to refer to Esau (Genesis 25:30, 36:1). In some languages a footnote might be helpful to explain this.
may say: The text does not tell us to whom the Edomites were speaking. It is possible that they were speaking to each other. However it is recommended that you do not specify this unless it is necessary to do so in your language.
1:4b
We have been devastated: That is, our towns have been devastated/destroyed.
1:4c
the ruins: This refers to what remained of Edom’s towns after their enemies had destroyed them.
1:4d
the LORD of Hosts: This special title for the LORD occurs twenty-four times in Malachi. See the discussion of this term in the Key biblical terms in the book of Malachi section in the Introduction.
says: The text does not specify to whom the LORD was speaking here. However it is clear that he was continuing to speak to Israel about Edom. In some languages, it may be necessary to make this explicit.
1:4g
They will be called the Land of Wickedness: This is one way in which people described Edom.
the Land of Wickedness: This is a figure of speech. It is the people who lived in the region who were wicked, not the land itself.
1:4h
a people with whom the LORD is indignant forever: This is the second way in which people described Edom:
a people: This refers to the Edomites.
with whom the LORD is indignant forever: The Hebrew word which the Berean Standard Bible translates as is indignant refers both to anger and the action that shows that anger. One way to say this would be:
towards whom the LORD shows his anger forever.
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