The Israelites begin by doubting God’s love for them, setting the scene for the whole book. God’s response is to remind them that he chose the family of Jacob their ancestor, not Esau, to show his love and faithfulness. By questioning God’s love for them in the present, they are questioning his faithfulness to his covenant and promises, and therefore his very character. Throughout the generations, God has always been faithful to his people but they have often failed to recognise that.
How or when do we doubt the love God has for us? How can we say we believe God’s love but act in such a way that shows we don’t truly believe? The New Testament points us towards the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the New Covenant that provides a solid foundation for the love God has for us.