Malachi 1:5

Authorized King James Version

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And your eyes shall see, and ye shall say, The LORD will be magnified from the border of Israel.

Original Language Analysis

וְעֵינֵיכֶ֖ם And your eyes H5869
וְעֵינֵיכֶ֖ם And your eyes
Strong's: H5869
Word #: 1 of 9
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
תִּרְאֶ֑ינָה shall see H7200
תִּרְאֶ֑ינָה shall see
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 2 of 9
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וְאַתֶּ֤ם H859
וְאַתֶּ֤ם
Strong's: H859
Word #: 3 of 9
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
תֹּֽאמְרוּ֙ and ye shall say H559
תֹּֽאמְרוּ֙ and ye shall say
Strong's: H559
Word #: 4 of 9
to say (used with great latitude)
יִגְדַּ֣ל will be magnified H1431
יִגְדַּ֣ל will be magnified
Strong's: H1431
Word #: 5 of 9
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
יְהוָ֔ה The LORD H3068
יְהוָ֔ה The LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 6 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מֵעַ֖ל H5921
מֵעַ֖ל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 7 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לִגְב֥וּל from the border H1366
לִגְב֥וּל from the border
Strong's: H1366
Word #: 8 of 9
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ of Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ of Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 9 of 9
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis & Commentary

And your eyes shall see, and ye shall say, The LORD will be magnified from the border of Israel. This verse promises that Israel will witness Edom's permanent desolation and recognize God's sovereign justice. Your eyes shall see (וְעֵינֵיכֶם תִּרְאֶינָה, ve'eineikhem tire'enah) emphasizes personal observation—not secondhand reports but direct visual evidence of God's judgment on Edom contrasted with His mercy to Israel. Where Edom lies waste, Israel is restored, providing undeniable proof of covenant love.

The response should be worship: ye shall say, The LORD will be magnified (וְאַתֶּם תֹּאמְרוּ יִגְדַּל יְהוָה, ve'attem tom'ru yigdal Yahweh). The verb גָּדַל (gadal) means to be great, to be magnified, to be exalted. Witnessing God's differential treatment of Jacob versus Esau should produce doxology—praise for His sovereign freedom, justice, and covenant faithfulness. Yet Israel had responded with skepticism (v. 2: "Wherein hast thou loved us?") rather than gratitude.

From the border of Israel (מֵעַל לִגְבוּל יִשְׂרָאֵל, me'al ligvul Yisra'el) indicates that God's greatness extends beyond Israel's borders—His sovereignty encompasses all nations. Edom's judgment outside Israel's territory demonstrates that Yahweh isn't merely a tribal deity but LORD of all the earth. This anticipates the gospel going to all nations and God gathering worshipers from every tribe and tongue (Revelation 7:9).

Historical Context

Post-exilic Israel could literally see the contrast between their restoration and Edom's permanent ruin. While Jews returned from Babylon, rebuilt Jerusalem and the temple, and reestablished worship, Edom's ancient cities lay in ruins, never to be restored. This visible evidence should have silenced their complaints about God's love (v. 2). The principle continues: God's differential treatment of peoples and nations throughout history testifies to His sovereign freedom. He chose Abraham from among idolaters, Israel from among nations, the church from Jews and Gentiles—all according to His gracious purpose, not human merit.

Questions for Reflection