Mal 2:1-9'

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Unworthy priests (Mal 2:1-9)

The priests are chiefly to blame for the poor spiritual condition of Israel. If they do not quickly reform their ways, God will punish them. He will reduce their income from the people’s tithes and offerings, and bring public disgrace upon them. He may even remove them from their position as priests, in order to stop the priesthood from becoming so corrupt that it has to be abolished. God prefers to maintain the priesthood, according to the promise he gave to the tribe of Levi (Mal 2:1-4).

Priests are not merely officials who look after temple rituals. They are supposed to be the spiritual and moral guides of the people. The early priests taught the people, by their personal example as well as by their instruction, how to know God and live righteously (Mal 2:5-6; cf. Num 25:11-13).

Priests are servants of God who have the responsibility to teach people God’s law and give them practical instruction concerning everyday affairs (Mal 2:7; cf. Deut 33:10).

But the priests of Malachi’s day have failed to uphold God’s standards, either by teaching or by practice, and so have led Israel astray. They favour the rich and powerful, and as a result are despised by the common people (Mal 2:8-9).