2 “And so then, O priests, this command is for you: ² If you will not listen, and if you will not take it to heart^[a] to give glory to my name,” says Yahweh of hosts, “then I will send the curse on you, and I will curse your blessings; moreover I have already cursed them because you are not taking it to heart.^{[b] 3} Look! I am going to rebuke your offspring,^[c] and I will scatter offal on your faces, the offal of your religious feasts, and you will be carried to it.^[d]

⁴ “Then you will know that I have sent to you this command, that my covenant with Levi continues,”^[e] says Yahweh of hosts. ⁵ “My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him. This required reverence, and he revered^[f] me and stood in awe before^[g] my name. ⁶ The instruction of truth^[h] was in his mouth, and wickedness was not found on his lips. In peace and in uprightness^[i] he walked with me, and he brought back many from sin.^{[j] 7} For the lips of the priest should guard knowledge, and they should seek instruction^[k] from his mouth, for he is the messenger of Yahweh of hosts. ⁸ But you, you have turned from the way; you have caused many to stumble by your instruction;^[l] you have ruined the covenant of Levi,” says Yahweh of hosts. ⁹ “And in turn I have made you despised and humbled before all the people, inasmuch as you are not keeping^[m] my way, but are favoring your own instruction.”^[n]