Malachi 2:5

My covenant was with him. Reference to Pentateuch (Numbers 25:10-13 .Deuteronomy 33:8 , Deuteronomy 33:9 , Deuteronomy 33:10 ). App-92 .

I gave them, &c.: I gave this "life" and "peace" to him [Levi] as an awe-inspiring, reverend characteristic; because he stood in awe of Me. There seems to be a distinct reference to Phineas (see the references above). But there seems to be a distinct reference to Levi also (Exodus 32:26-29 ), in the first place, at any rate. Hebrew. mora = that which makes awe felt.

was afraid before = abased himself.