[:en]SCRIPTURE: MALACHI 2
“For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth. But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble; you have violated the covenant with Levi,” says the Lord Almighty. “So I have caused you to be despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not followed my ways but have shown partiality in matters of the law.” (mALACHI 2:7-9)
“Another thing you do: You flood the Lord’s altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer looks with favor on your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands. You ask, “Why?” It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant” (Malachi 2:13-14)
“Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth” (Malachi 2:15)
“The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,” says the Lord Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful” (Malachi 2:16)
ADMONITION FOR THE PRIESTS (vs. 1-9)
God gave the priesthood to the tribe of Levi. He had a covenant with them, a covenant of life and peace. They were supposed to preserve knowledge, give instruction because they were the messenger of God. But they did not set their heart to honor Him. Instead, they have caused many to stumble and violated the covenant of the Lord. Therefore, God will judge them by cursing their blessings.
JUDAH UNFAITHFUL (vs. 10-16)
Judah had desecrated the sanctuary of the Lord by marrying the daughter of foreign gods. They were divorcing their wives and marrying foreign women. God will not accept the sacrifices of the unfaithful husband. For the marriage covenant involves husband and wife and God.
THE DAY OF JUDGMENT (v. 17)
God had the covenant with Levi to obey His Word and honor His name. He had the covenant with the Israel nation to be “married to Jehovah” at Mt. Sinai (Exo. 19-20). He also set the covenant of marriage for husband and wife to be faithful. Those who break the covenant with Him will be judged.[:]