Lesson 2: Unfaithful Priests

Scripture to Read: Malachi 2:19

The priests of Israel in Malachi’s day came under direct rebuke from God through the prophet’s pen. They had been charged with showing contempt for God’s name and offering unfit sacrifices on His altar (1:67). God had very harsh words for these members of the Levitical priesthood who were charged with teaching Israel the commands and decrees of Torah, the Law. The curse God had sent on the priests and the people referred to the curses the Law pronounced on those who were unfaithful to keep it. God had already put the priesthood under a curse because His servants had turned their hearts and minds away from obeying Him.

The strength of God’s displeasure is indicated by the word “admonition” in verses 1 and 4, which may be translated as “command.” In other words, God was saying, “I forbid you to continue offering these defiled sacrifices on My altar.” The curse under which the priests were laboring would extend even to future generations if they did not repent and obey. God intended His covenant to be one of “life and peace,” but the priests of Malachi’s day had turned God’s blessings into a curse. Instead of turning “many from sin” they had led the people astray by their failure to be true messengers of the Lord. God accused them of not preserving true knowledge of Him, and of breaking His covenant with Levi. The final which had caused them to be despised and humiliated in the people’s eyes.

Study Questions

• Why was it important for God to correct the priests of Israel?
• Why did God twice mention His priestly covenant with Levi?
• What failure of Israel’s priests was particularly troubling to the Lord?
• Why were the priests not to show partiality in the Law?

Something to Think About

After reading Malachi 2:19, we may easily see how the priests of ancient Israel were worthy of blame without realizing that it is possible for us to fall into the same kinds of traps. The issue comes down to the attitude of our hearts, whether we have a sincere desire to serve and please God, or a desire to enhance ourselves even at the expense of others.