¹⁷ This sin of the young men was very great in the Lord’s sight, for they^[a] were treating the Lord’s offering with contempt.^(A)

⁷ “For the lips of a priest^(A) ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger^(B) of the Lord Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth.^{(C) 8} But you have turned from the way^(D) and by your teaching have caused many to stumble;^(E) you have violated the covenant^(F) with Levi,”^(G) says the Lord Almighty. ⁹ “So I have caused you to be despised^(H) and humiliated^(I) before all the people, because you have not followed my ways but have shown partiality^(J) in matters of the law.”^(K)

¹³ Another thing you do: You flood the Lord’s altar with tears.^(A) You weep and wail^(B) because he no longer looks with favor^(C) on your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands.^(D)

¹³ Now the people of Sodom^(A) were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord.^(B)

¹¹ Now the earth was corrupt^(A) in God’s sight and was full of violence.^(B)