Malachi 2

Malachi 2 addresses the priests of Israel, calling them to account for their failures in their duties and their unfaithfulness to God. The chapter rebukes them for not honoring the covenant and for leading the people astray by their poor example and lack of integrity. Malachi also speaks against the people’s unfaithfulness in marriage, highlighting God’s disapproval of divorce and urging faithfulness in relationships as a reflection of their covenant with God.

Malachi 2:1-4 (NKJV)
1 "And now, O priests, this commandment is for you.
2 If you will not hear, and if you will not take it to heart, to give glory to My name," says the Lord of hosts, "I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have cursed them already, because you do not take it to heart.
3 Behold, I will rebuke your descendants and spread refuse on your faces, the refuse of your solemn feasts; and one will take you away with it.
4 Then you shall know that I have sent this commandment to you, that My covenant with Levi may continue," says the Lord of hosts.

Malachi begins by addressing the priests, warning them of the consequences of failing to honor God. Despite their role as leaders, they have disregarded their responsibility to glorify God. God warns them that He will turn their blessings into curses, impacting not only them but also their descendants. By mentioning “refuse” (waste from sacrifices), God indicates His displeasure with their careless rituals. This stark imagery is a wake-up call to the priests to respect their covenant responsibilities, reminding them of their duty to uphold the covenant with Levi.

Malachi 2:5-7 (NKJV)
5 "My covenant was with him, one of life and peace, and I gave them to him that he might fear Me; so he feared Me and was reverent before My name.
6 The law of truth was in his mouth, and injustice was not found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and equity, and turned many away from iniquity.
7 For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge, and people should seek the law from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts."

God recounts the ideal of the covenant with Levi, which was based on reverence, truth, and peace. This covenant was meant to guide the priests in leading the people toward righteousness. Levi honored this by speaking truth and promoting justice. The role of a priest is not merely ceremonial; he is entrusted with knowledge of God’s law and serves as God’s representative to the people. Malachi’s words here are a reminder of the high standard for priests and a rebuke for the current priests who have failed to live up to this calling.

Malachi 2:8-9 (NKJV)
8 "But you have departed from the way; you have caused many to stumble at the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi," says the Lord of hosts.
9 "Therefore I also have made you contemptible and base before all the people, because you have not kept My ways but have shown partiality in the law."

Instead of leading the people in faithfulness, the priests have deviated from the covenant, causing others to stray from God’s commands. They have failed in their role by corrupting the very covenant they were meant to uphold. As a consequence, God has allowed their reputation among the people to suffer. Their disregard for justice and fairness, along with their partiality, has undermined their credibility and dishonored their sacred duties.

Malachi 2:10-12 (NKJV)
10 "Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously with one another by profaning the covenant of the fathers?
11 Judah has dealt treacherously, and an abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem, for Judah has profaned the Lord’s holy institution which He loves: he has married the daughter of a foreign god.
12 May the Lord cut off from the tents of Jacob the man who does this, being awake and aware, yet who brings an offering to the Lord of hosts!"

The prophet shifts focus to the people’s unfaithfulness to one another and to God. He reminds them that they are all created by the same God, yet they are betraying each other by breaking the covenant. Specifically, Malachi rebukes them for marrying foreign women who worship other gods, which leads to the dilution of their commitment to God. This compromise not only breaks their covenant but dishonors God, who values loyalty. Malachi warns that such actions will lead to severe consequences, even if these individuals attempt to worship God outwardly.

Malachi 2:13-16 (NKJV)
13 "And this is the second thing you do: You cover the altar of the Lord with tears, with weeping and crying; so He does not regard the offering anymore, nor receive it with goodwill from your hands.
14 Yet you say, 'For what reason?' Because the Lord has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously; yet she is your companion and your wife by covenant.
15 But did He not make them one, having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth.
16 "For the Lord God of Israel says that He hates divorce, for it covers one’s garment with violence," says the Lord of hosts. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously."

God addresses the men of Israel who have divorced their wives without just cause. These men come to worship, yet God refuses their offerings because of their unfaithfulness in marriage. God views marriage as a covenant not only between husband and wife but also with Him, desiring that such unions produce “godly offspring.” Divorce is condemned here, as it signifies betrayal and disrupts the sanctity of family relationships. This passage underscores the importance of faithfulness and integrity, both in marriage and in one's relationship with God.

Malachi 2:17 (NKJV)
17 "You have wearied the Lord with your words; yet you say, 'In what way have we wearied Him?' In that you say, 'Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and He delights in them,' or, 'Where is the God of justice?'"

The people have wearied God with their complaints and distorted understanding of justice. They accuse God of favoring evildoers, suggesting that He approves of those who do wrong because they seem to prosper. By questioning God’s justice, they reveal a lack of faith and an unwillingness to see beyond immediate circumstances. This accusation is a reminder that God’s justice operates beyond human timelines and perceptions. Instead of questioning God’s fairness, they are encouraged to trust His wisdom and justice.