Malachi 2:1-9

Modern English Version

Divine Warnings to the Priests

2 And now, O priests, this commandment is for you. ² If you will not listen, and if you will not take it to heart to give honor to My name, says the Lord of Hosts, I will send a curse on you and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have cursed them already, because you do not take it to heart.

³ I rebuke your descendants, and spread refuse on your faces, the refuse of your solemn feasts, and you will be taken away with it. ⁴ And you will know that I have sent this command to you, that My covenant with Levi may remain, says the Lord of Hosts. ⁵ My covenant with him was for life and peace, and I gave them to him. With awe he feared Me, and he was reverent before My name. ⁶ True instruction was in his mouth, and injustice was not found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and with uprightness, and turned many away from iniquity.

⁷ For a priest’s lips should preserve knowledge, and people should seek the law from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of Hosts. ⁸ But you have departed from the way. You have caused many to stumble at the law. You have violated the covenant of Levi, says the Lord of Hosts. ⁹ So I have made you contemptible and base before all the people, because you have not kept My ways, but have shown partiality in the law.