Malachi 2:1-17
Q.1. Why was God about to punish the priests? What characterized the Levitical priesthood of old? How were they corrupting the priesthood? – (Mal.2:1-9 c.f. Num.25:4-13)
God had chosen the family of Levi because of their zeal for God’s name (Mal.2:4-5 c.f. Ex.32:25-29; Num.3:5-13). God’s call was on the Levites – 5 “my covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him as an object of reverence; so he revered Me and stood in awe of My name. 6 True instruction was in his mouth and unrighteousness was not found on his lips; he walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many back from iniquity (Mal.2:5-6). God’s approval for such zeal was demonstrated by the bold action of Phinehas, when he slew an Israelite who played the harlot with a Midianite woman – and it shall be for him and his descendants after him, a covenant of perpetual priesthood, because he was jealous for his God and made atonement for the sons of Israel (Num.25:13). However, God was about to replace His blessing on the priests with a curse, for failing to honour Him in their role (Mal.2:1-3). He reminded them about their solemn calling – For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and men should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts (Mal.2:7). They had corrupted the Covenant and caused many to stumble, by showing partiality in instruction, and a disregard for God’s holiness (Mal.2:8-9).
Q.2. How did the priests act treacherously against God? What did God think about their attitude to marriage? How were they ruling that evil was good? –(Mal.2:10-17)
Judah had taken strong action after the exile in the time of Ezra, because of the intermarrying of God’s people with the inhabitants of the land (Ezra Chpts.9-10). How quickly the nation had drifted from its call to be separate – Judah has dealt treacherously, and an abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah has profaned the sanctuary of the Lord which He loves and has married the daughter of a foreign god (Mal.2:11). Consequently, God no longer regarded the prayers of His people (Mal.2:12-13). They questioned the prophet’s message, but God countered – Yet you say, `For what reason?’ Because the Lord has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant … Take heed then to your spirit, and let no one deal treacherously against the wife of your youth … For I hate divorce,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “and him who covers his garment with wrong,” says the Lord of hosts. “So take heed to your spirit that you do not deal treacherously.” (Mal.2:14-16). Equally bad was the priests’ maligning of the truth – You have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet you say, “How 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?” (Mal.2:17).