Malachi 2:1-9

1 et nunc ad vos mandatum hoc o sacerdotes

2 si nolueritis audire et si nolueritis ponere super cor ut detis gloriam nomini meo ait Dominus exercituum mittam in vos egestatem et maledicam benedictionibus vestris et maledicam illis quoniam non posuistis super cor

3 ecce ego proiciam vobis brachium et dispergam super vultum vestrum stercus sollemnitatum vestrarum et adsumet vos secum

4 et scietis quia misi ad vos mandatum istud ut esset pactum meum cum Levi dicit Dominus exercituum

5 pactum meum fuit cum eo vitae et pacis et dedi ei timorem et timuit me et a facie nominis mei pavebat

6 lex veritatis fuit in ore eius et iniquitas non est inventa in labiis eius in pace et in aequitate ambulavit mecum et multos avertit ab iniquitate

7 labia enim sacerdotis custodient scientiam et legem requirent ex ore eius quia angelus Domini exercituum est

8 vos autem recessistis de via et scandalizastis plurimos in lege irritum fecistis pactum Levi dicit Dominus exercituum

9 propter quod et ego dedi vos contemptibiles et humiles omnibus populis sicut non servastis vias meas et accepistis faciem in lege

Malachi 2:1-9 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO MALACHI 2

This chapter contains a reproof both of priests and people for their sins. It begins with the priests, Mal 2:1 and threatens, in case they attend not to glorify the name of the Lord, they and their blessings should be cursed, their seed corrupted, dung spread upon them, and they took away with it, Mal 2:2,3 and the end of this commandment being sent them, of giving glory to the name of God, was that the covenant might appear to be with Levi, or him that was typified by him, Mal 2:4 of which covenant some account is given, with the reason why the blessings of it were given to him, with whom it was, Mal 2:5 who is described by the true doctrine he preached; by the purity of his lips; by the peaceableness and righteousness of his walk and conversation; and by his usefulness and success in turning many from sin, Mal 2:6 and it being part of the priest's office to preserve true knowledge, and communicate it, it is the duty of the people to seek to him for it; since he is the messenger of the Lord, Mal 2:7 but as for the priests of those times the prophet respects, they were apostates from the way of the Lord; made others to stumble at the law, and corrupted the covenant; and therefore became contemptible, base, and mean, in the sight of the people, Mal 2:8,9 who are next reproved for their marrying with those of other nations, idolatrous persons; and using polygamy and divorces, which were a profanation of the covenant of their fathers; a piece of perfidy and treachery among themselves; an abomination to the Lord; a profanation of his holiness; and led to idolatry, Mal 2:10,11 wherefore they are threatened to be cut off from the tabernacles of Jacob, and their sacrifices to be rejected; insomuch that the altar is represented as covered with weeping and tears, because disregarded, Mal 2:12,13. The reason of which was, because marrying more wives than one, and these strange women, was dealing treacherously with their lawful wives; was contrary to the first creation of man, and the end of it; and therefore such practices ought to be avoided; and the rather, since putting away was hateful to the Lord, Mal 2:14-16 and the chapter is concluded with a charge against them, that they wearied the Lord with their wicked words; affirming that the Lord took delight in the men that did evil; and that there were no judgment, truth, nor righteousness, in him, Mal 2:17.