Welcome to the next Bible study of the book of Malachi, Chapter 2.

Verse 1: “And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you.”

GOD directly addresses the priests, indicating that the message is crucial for those in faithful leadership. This sets the tone for a critique of their performance and responsibilities.

Verse 2: “If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart.”

GOD emphasizes the importance of listening and responding to His commands. A failure to honor GOD can lead to spiritual curses, which highlights the seriousness of priestly duties and their impact on the community.

Verse 3: “Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts; and one shall take you away with it.”

This vivid imagery reflects GOD’S disdain for the priests’ corrupt practices. It signifies pollution, disgrace, and judgment, reinforcing that their unfaithfulness has dire consequences.

Verse 4: “And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.”

Here, our almighty GOD reminds the priests of their covenant with Levi, the ancestor of the priestly line, which emphasizes faithfulness, righteousness, and obedience.

Verse 5: “My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name.”

The covenant with Levi included the blessings of life and peace, conditional upon reverence for GOD. Priests are called to embody these qualities.

Verse 6: “The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity.”

Levi’s character is described as a standard for the priests. This verse emphasizes the importance of integrity, truth, and the role of faithfully leaders in guiding the people away from sin.

Verse 7: “For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.”

The role of the priest is further clarified as one who is to educate and guide the people in GOD’S law. Priests must be knowledgeable and act as GOD’S representatives.

Verse 8: “But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.”

A stark contrast is drawn here. Instead of guiding the people, the priests have led them astray, highlighting their failure and the consequences it has for the community.

Verse 9: “Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.”

GOD declares that the priests will face humiliation and disgrace as a result of their hypocrisy and failure to uphold the law impartially.

Verse 10: “Have we not all one father? hath not one GOD created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?”

This verse highlights a theme of unity and fidelity among GOD’S people. The reference to the shared fatherhood of GOD calls for communal integrity and love, pointing out their breach of relationship with one another.

Verse 11: “Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god.”

Here, the specific sins of Judah are addressed, particularly idolatry and mixed marriages that compromise their covenant loyalty. The idea of marrying “the daughter of a strange god” suggests assimilation into pagan practices.

Verse 12: “The LORD will cut off the man that doeth this, the master and the scholar, out of the tabernacles of Jacob, and him that offereth an offering unto the LORD of hosts.”

The seriousness of sin is underscored, as even the leaders and scholars are not exempt from judgment. This serves as a solemn warning against infidelity to GOD.

Verse 13: “And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand.”

The emotional displays of the people in worship are shown to be meaningless due to their unfaithfulness and insincerity. True worship must come from a right heart and relationship with GOD.

Verse 14: “Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.”

GOD returns to the theme of covenant faithfulness, particularly in the context of marriage. The sacredness of marital vows is highlighted, and treachery in such relationships is condemned.

Verse 15: “And did not he make one? yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? that he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.”

This verse emphasizes GOD’S intent for marriage to produce a generation that is godly. The call to take heed reflects the need for vigilance in relationships.

Verse 16: “For the LORD, the GOD of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.”

Divorce is condemned here. GOD’S perspective on marriage is clear, He desires loyalty and hatred for betrayal. This illustrates GOD’S character as one who values covenant fidelity.

Verse 17: “Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the GOD of judgment?”

The people accuse GOD of indifference while they promote moral relativism, saying that evil is good. This last verse encapsulates the people’s misunderstanding of GOD’S justice and holiness, revealing their profound spiritual confusion.

Conclusion:

The passage of Malachi 2:1-17 offers a profound message to both leaders and followers in faith. It calls for integrity, faithfulness, and a recognition of the profound seriousness of a covenant relationship with GOD. It also challenges contemporary readers to examine their hearts and actions in relation to GOD’S laws and the commitments they make in their relationships, particularly with GOD, family and community.

Let us Pray:

Dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER, We come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging our shortcomings and the ways in which we have failed to honor Your covenant. You have called us to a life of integrity and faithfulness, yet we confess that we have often wandered from Your commandments. We beseech You to turn our hearts back to You, that we might walk in Your divine glorious ways and uphold the sacred duties entrusted to us. Help us to be faithful stewards of Your marvelous righteous Word, proclaiming truth and righteousness in all our actions. Forgive us for the times we have been unfaithful, when our actions have not reflected Your holiness and love. Enlighten our minds and strengthen our spirits as we strive to be examples of Your glorious goodness to those around us.
In Your mercy, restore the reverence for Your name that has been diminished among us. Let us honor the covenant You have made with us, that we may lead others to seek You wholeheartedly. Bring unity among Your people, that we may stand together in devotion to You, and let our worship be pleasing in Your sight. May we always remember the importance of our commitments to each other and to You, recognizing the sacredness of our relationship with You and the people among us. Fill us with compassion and understanding, that we may treat one another with the respect and love that reflects Your character. Deliver us from the spirit of division and strife, and guide us in the path of peace and harmony.
We humbly ask for Your guidance, that we may be instruments of righteousness in our communities, testifying to Your grace and mercy. May our sacrifices of worship be genuine and heartfelt, seeking to glorify Your name above all. In all things, help us to uphold the truth, speak with sincerity, and reflect Your infinite love in our lives. For You are a GOD of justice and mercy, and we desire to honor You always. Thank you dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER, We pray all these things throughout the mighty, glorious, fulfilling name of JESUS CHRIST. Amen!

Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings to You, through JESUS CHRIST, our LORD, SAVIOUR and REDEEMER!