Malachi - Chapter 1

Malachi 1.1 The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi. Malachi 1.2 I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob’s brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob, Malachi 1.3 And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness. Malachi 1.4 Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the LORD hath indignation for ever. Malachi 1.5 And your eyes shall see, and ye shall say, The LORD will be magnified from the border of Israel. Malachi 1.6 A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? Malachi 1.7 Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible. Malachi 1.8 And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts. Malachi 1.9 And now, I pray you, beseech God that he will be gracious unto us: this hath been by your means: will he regard your persons? saith the LORD of hosts. Malachi 1.10 Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand. Malachi 1.11 For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts. Malachi 1.12 But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, The table of the LORD is polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible. Malachi 1.13 Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD. Malachi 1.14 But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the LORD a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen.

Malachi : Chapter 1

Introduction to Malachi Chapter 1

Malachi chapter 1 begins with a powerful message about God's love for Israel. This passage encourages each of us to contemplate the depth of this divine love and to recognize its selective nature. Indeed, God demonstrates His love for Jacob while rejecting Esau, prompting the people to reflect on and respond to this unconditional love.

A Rebuke to the Priests

This chapter is not limited to divine love; it also rebukes the priests for offering imperfect sacrifices. This critique highlights the importance of honoring and respecting God in our worship. Malachi 1 thus establishes fundamental themes such as faithfulness, sincere worship, and divine sovereignty.

Exploring Bible Passages

Let's now dive into five biblical passages that illuminate the timeless principles of this thought-provoking chapter.

Romans 9:13

"As it is written, 'Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have rejected.'" - Paul quotes Malachi 1:2-3, reaffirming God's sovereignty in election and emphasizing that His love is a divine choice.

Hebrews 12:16-17

"Let no one be immoral or profane like Esau, who, for a dish of food, sold his rights as the firstborn. You know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected." - This verse refers to Esau, thus developing the theme of rejection and the importance of our spiritual choices.

1 Peter 2:9

"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, the people of God." - This echoes Malachi's call to priests to honor God, applying it to all believers and emphasizing our sacred calling.

Mark 1:11

"Then a voice came from heaven: 'You are my beloved Son; I am well pleased with you.'" - This passage contrasts with the rebuke of Malachi 1:6, showing Jesus as the perfect Son who honors the Father through His obedience.

Revelation 5:8

"And when he had taken the scroll, the four beasts and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each of them having a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints." - This verse illustrates the pure offering mentioned in Malachi 1:11, fulfilled in heavenly worship, emphasizes the importance of our prayers before God.

Conclusion

Malachi chapter 1 invites us to reflect on our relationship with God and how we honor His presence in our lives. By exploring these passages, we are called to live out our faith authentically, recognizing the greatness of His love and engaging in sincere worship.