1 The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.
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,
3 And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness.
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.
5 And your eyes shall see, and ye shall say, The LORD will be magnified from the border of Israel.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Overview of Malachi Chapter 1
Malachi Chapter 1 serves as a powerful introduction to the themes of the entire book. It establishes the context of God’s love for Israel, the people’s disobedience, and the consequences of their actions. The chapter is structured around a series of declarations and questions that highlight the relationship between God and His people.
The Declaration of God’s Love
The chapter begins with a bold statement of God’s love for Israel.
- God’s Affection: The Lord expresses His enduring love for Jacob, contrasting it with His rejection of Esau.
- Historical Context: This reference to Jacob and Esau serves as a reminder of God’s sovereign choice and His faithfulness to Israel despite their shortcomings.
The People’s Questioning
Following the declaration of love, the people respond with skepticism.
- Questioning God’s Love: The Israelites ask, “How have You loved us?” This reflects their doubt and spiritual apathy.
- God’s Response: God answers by reminding them of His choice of Jacob over Esau, emphasizing His commitment to Israel.
Condemnation of the Priests
The chapter shifts focus to the priests, who are criticized for their failure to honor God.
- Defiled Offerings: The priests are accused of offering polluted sacrifices, which indicates a lack of reverence for God.
- God’s Expectation: God expects the highest standards of worship, and the priests’ negligence is a direct affront to His holiness.
God’s Judgment
God warns of the consequences of their actions.
- Rejection of Offerings: God declares that He will not accept their offerings because they are unworthy.
- Consequences for the Priests: The priests will face judgment for leading the people astray and failing to uphold God’s standards.
Call to Reverence
God calls for a return to proper worship and reverence.
- True Worship: The chapter emphasizes that God desires sincere worship and respect from His people.
- Universal Recognition: God asserts that His name will be great among the nations, indicating that His glory will be acknowledged beyond Israel.
Conclusion
Malachi Chapter 1 sets the stage for the themes of love, judgment, and the need for genuine worship. It serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, highlighting the importance of faithfulness and reverence in worship. The chapter challenges both the leaders and the people to reflect on their actions and return to a place of honor before God.
