Malachi 1:1-14
Q.1. What was God’s complaint against Israel? How did He drive home His disappointment with His people? Will God ever give up on Israel? – (Mal.1:1-5)
Before bringing His complaint before His people, God reminded them of His love for them. He drove this home by pointing to the contrast between the choice of Jacob and Esau – 2 … “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the Lord. “Yet I have loved Jacob; 3 but I have hated Esau … (Mal.1:2-3). In fact, when Israel sees Edom’s everlasting demise, she will acknowledge – The Lord be magnified beyond the border of Israel (Mal.1:4-5). Israel is assured of future blessing.
Q.2. How had the priests dishonoured the Lord? What made their offerings unacceptable? What did God think of their religious activities? – (Mal.1:6-10)
In return for God’s covenant grace, the priests of Israel had despised the name of the Lord and defiled His altar (Mal.1:6-7). Even the governors would reject defiled and second-rate offerings. Israel’s disregard for God would make their entreaties for His blessing pointless (Mal.1:8-9). God was looking for someone to stand up to bring a genuine and acceptable sacrifice (Mal.1:10).
Q.3. In what way was the nation despising God? How would God treat their dishonesty? What amazing change did Malachi foreshadow? Why? – (Mal.1:11-14)
In their complacency, the nation responded – … `My, how tiresome it is!’ And you disdainfully sniff at it,” says the Lord of hosts, “and you bring what was taken by robbery and what is lame or sick; so you bring the offering! Should I receive that from your hand?” says the Lord (Mal.1:13). He would bring down a curse on swindlers who offered blemished sacrifices to the Lord (Mal.1:14). However, love and faithfulness would come from an unexpected people – For from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations, and in every place, incense is going to be offered to My name, and a grain offering that is pure; for My name will be great among the nations,” says the Lord of hosts (Mal.1:11). What makes such an offering appropriate? – … for I am a great King,” says the Lord of hosts, “and My name is feared among the nations.” (Mal.1:14).