Malachi 1:6-14

ISRAEL’S NEGLECT OF JEHOVAH, Malachi 1:6 to Malachi 2:9.

Throughout the entire history of Israel Jehovah showed himself a loving father and kind master; this would seem to entitle him to the people’s gratitude and reverence, but they fail to give him his dues (Malachi 1:6), as is clearly shown by the fact that they offer to Jehovah gifts which a human governor would reject with scorn (Malachi 1:7-8). No wonder that Jehovah refuses to listen to their prayers (Malachi 1:9). It would be far better to close the temple and extinguish the altar fires than to continue this sort of service (Malachi 1:10). The service rendered to Jehovah among the nations is preferable to that of the Jews, for it is pure and generous, while that of the Jews is corrupt and heartless; the offerings are small, the sacrificial animals diseased and worthless, and the little they do give they give grudgingly (Malachi 1:11-13). Cursed be everyone who dares to insult Jehovah in this manner (Malachi 1:14). If the priests do not heed the warning and render unto Jehovah the service acceptable to him he will send his curse upon them, that they may understand his purpose to maintain the ancient covenant with Levi (Malachi 2:1-4). According to this covenant Jehovah promised to Levi life and peace, while Levi promised to fear Jehovah. Both parties kept the covenant faithfully; Levi served God, and by his faithfulness turned many to righteousness (Malachi 2:5-6). Similar conduct is expected of all his priests (Malachi 2:7), but how far short of the ideal do they come (Malachi 2:8)! Therefore disgrace and contempt will be their portion (Malachi 2:9).