Malachi - Chapter 2

Malachi 2.1 And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you. Malachi 2.2 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. Malachi 2.3 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. Malachi 2.4 And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the LORD of hosts. Malachi 2.5 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. Malachi 2.6 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. Malachi 2.7 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. Malachi 2.8 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. Malachi 2.9 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. Malachi 2.10 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? Malachi 2.11 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. Malachi 2.12 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. Malachi 2.13 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. Malachi 2.14 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. Malachi 2.15 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. Malachi 2.16 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. Malachi 2.17 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?

Malachi : Chapter 2

Reflections on Malachi Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of the book of Malachi powerfully and profoundly addresses the infidelity of the priests and the people. It questions us about the consequences of breaking the covenant God established with his people. This incisive text rebukes spiritual leaders who stray from the path and lead astray the souls entrusted to their care.

The Sanctity of Marriage

Malachi 2 condemns divorce and marriages with unbelievers, thus emphasizing the sanctity of marriage. This chapter explores essential themes such as spiritual responsibility, integrity, and fidelity, both in human relationships and with God. He invites us to reflect on our commitment and faithfulness in our covenants.

Five Correlated Bible Passages

To better understand the fundamental truths of this provocative chapter, let's examine five biblical passages that resonate with its teachings:

Ephesians 5:25

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave himself up for it." This verse reflects Malachi's call to marital fidelity, elevating marriage to the example of Christ, who gave his life for his church.

Matthew 19:8

Jesus answered, "Moses allowed you to divorce your wives because of the hardness of your hearts. But it was not like that from the beginning." This passage relates to the condemnation of divorce in Malachi 2:16, reaffirming God's original ideal for marriage.

1 Peter 2:7-8

"Therefore, to you who believe, this stone is precious; but to those who do not believe, 'the stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,' and 'a stumbling stone and a rock from which they stumble.'" This verse echoes Malachi's warning about stumbling in the law, contrasting with the faithfulness of Christ.

James 2:9

"But if they treat others with partiality, they will commit sin and be condemned by the Law as transgressors." This passage refers to Malachi's criticism of the priests for their partiality in administering the law, reminding us of the importance of integrity in our conduct.

1 Timothy 4:16

"Give careful attention to your own life and to the doctrine, continuing in these duties, for by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you." This verse reflects Malachi's call to the priests to be faithful in their teaching and conduct, emphasizing the responsibility placed on those who lead God's people.

In conclusion, the reading from Malachi chapter 2 encourages us to examine our own spiritual life and our faithfulness to God and others. May we commit ourselves to living in integrity and truth, like our Lord Jesus Christ.