Malachi 1 - ESV - Bible Reading / Study Notes

Malachi 1

1:1 The oracle of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.¹

The Lord’s Love for Israel

2 “I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you say, “How have you loved us?” “Is not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet I have loved Jacob 3 but Esau I have hated. I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert.” 4 If Edom says, “We are shattered but we will rebuild the ruins,” the LORD of hosts says, “They may build, but I will tear down, and they will be called ‘the wicked country,’ and ‘the people with whom the LORD is angry forever.’” 5 Your own eyes shall see this, and you shall say, “Great is the LORD beyond the border of Israel!”

The Priests’ Polluted Offerings

6 “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the LORD of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, ‘How have we despised your name?’ 7 By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, ‘How have we polluted you?’ By saying that the LORD’s table may be despised. 8 When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the LORD of hosts. 9 And now entreat the favor of God, that he may be gracious to us. With such a gift from your hand, will he show favor to any of you? says the LORD of hosts. 10 Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, says the LORD of hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hand. 11 For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be² great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the LORD of hosts. 12 But you profane it when you say that the Lord’s table is polluted, and its fruit, that is, its food may be despised. 13 But you say, ‘What a weariness this is,’ and you snort at it, says the LORD of hosts. You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick, and this you bring as your offering! Shall I accept that from your hand? says the LORD. 14 Cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock, and vows it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished. For I am a great King, says the LORD of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations.

Footnotes

[1] 1:1 Malachi means my messenger
[2] 1:11 Or is (three times in verse 11; also verse 14)

Commentary

v1-2: The Lord has a special place for Israel, "I have loved you," He declares. This is God's electing love, Rom 9.11-13. The apostle applies this statement as evidence of God's choice of Israel. In eternity past this nation was set apart for God. And God's love and election remained, even when the people became rebellious.

v3-5: To demonstrate His love for Israel, God is magnified beyond the borders of Israel. Esau (Edom) is mentioned here. Although Edom sought to rebuild his desolate land, that would be thrown down, and his plans frustrated, Obad 1-9, 15-16. "Your eyes shall see," declares the Lord to Israel; here is proof for unbelieving Israel.

v6: The Lord demands honour and respect from His people; this is His rightful expectation. Priests are picked out as those who fail in these things.

v7-8: Offering the Lord God the lame and the sick; a specific accusation, not giving what was commanded. Any human governor would reject such food; so why offer it to God? Do we think that we can give God what is leftover?

v9: In the circumstances, therefore, the proper response is to seek God's mercy.

v10: The Lord has no pleasure in their offerings; the offerings reflect a heart of complacency, and a lack of real devotion.

v11: The Lord's name will be great among the nations, whatever the attitude of the present day Jews, Rom 11.11.

v12-14: Their attitude is reflected in their complaint, "What a burden!" Putting their own interests first, they discover that the Lord's commands are a burden. We will only enjoy the practice of our faith, such as prayer and fellowship, when we have real devotion and commitment and faithfulness.

The Lord is not deceived; He is the Great King. Anyone who refuses, or neglects, to obey, will miss out on great blessings.