21 "And now this commandment is for you, O priests . 2 "If you do not listen , and if you do not take it to heart to give honor to My name ," says the Lord of hosts , "then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings ; and indeed , I have cursed them already, because you are not taking it to heart . 3 "Behold , I am going to rebuke your offspring , and I will spread refuse on your faces , the refuse of your feasts ; and you will be taken away with it. 4 "Then you will know that I have sent this commandment to you, that My covenant may continue with Levi ," says the Lord of hosts . 5 "My covenant with him was one of life and peace , and I gave them to him as an object of reverence ; so he revered Me and stood in awe of My name . 6 " True instruction was in his mouth and unrighteousness was not found on his lips ; he walked with Me in peace and uprightness , and he turned many back from iniquity . 7 "For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge , and men should seek instruction from his mouth ; for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts . 8 "But as for you, you have turned aside from the way ; you have caused many to stumble by the instruction ; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi ," says the Lord of hosts . 9 "So I also have made you despised and abased before all the people , just e as you are not keeping My ways but are showing partiality e in the instruction .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Malachi 2:1-9
Commentary on Malachi 2:1-9
(Read Malachi 2:1-9)
What is here said of the covenant of priesthood, is true of the covenant of grace made with all believers, as spiritual priests. It is a covenant of life and peace; it assures all believers of all happiness, both in this world and in that to come. It is an honour to God's servants to be employed as his messengers. The priest's lips should not keep knowledge from his people, but keep it for them. The people are all concerned to know the will of the Lord. We must not only consult the written word, but desire instruction and advice from God's messengers, in the affairs of our souls. Ministers must exert themselves to the utmost for the conversion of sinners; and even among those called Israelites, there are many to be turned from iniquity. Those ministers, and those only, are likely to turn men from sin, who preach sound doctrine, and live holy lives according to the Scripture. Many departed from this way; thus they misled the people. Such as walk with God in peace and righteousness, and turn others from sin, honour God; he will honour them, while those who despise him shall be lightly esteemed.