Malachi 2
BSB1 “And now this decree is for you, O priests: 2 If you do not listen, and if you do not take it to heart to honor My name,” says the LORD of Hosts, “I will send a curse among you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already begun to curse them, because you are not taking it to heart. 3 Behold, I will rebuke your descendants, and I will spread dung on your faces, the waste from your feasts, and you will be carried off with it. 4 Then you will know that I have sent you this commandment so that My covenant with Levi may continue,” says the LORD of Hosts. 5 “My covenant with him was one of life and peace, which I gave to him; it called for reverence, and he revered Me and stood in awe of My name. 6 True instruction was in his mouth, and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. 7 For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts. 8 But you have departed from the way, and your instruction has caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of Hosts. 9 “So I in turn have made you despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not kept My ways, but have shown partiality in matters of the law." 10 Do we not all have one Father? Did not one God create us? Why then do we break faith with one another so as to profane the covenant of our fathers? 11 Judah has broken faith; an abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned the LORD’s beloved sanctuary by marrying the daughter of a foreign god. 12 As for the man who does this, may the LORD cut off from the tents of Jacob everyone who is awake and aware—even if he brings an offering to the LORD of Hosts. 13 And this is another thing you do: You cover the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping and groaning, because He no longer regards your offerings or receives them gladly from your hands. 14 Yet you ask, “Why?” It is because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have broken faith, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. 15 Has not the LORD made them one, having a portion of the Spirit? And why one? Because He seeks godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. 16 “For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel. “He who divorces his wife covers his garment with violence,” says the LORD of Hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith. 17 You have wearied the LORD with your words; yet you ask, “How have we wearied Him?” By saying, “All who do evil are good in the sight of the LORD, and in them He delights,” or, “Where is the God of justice?"
Study Notes — Malachi 2
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Malachi 2
- Themes from Malachi 2
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Malachi 2
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with a warning to the priests, calling them to return to the Lord and to obey His commandments. The Lord expresses His displeasure with the priests' corrupt behavior, including their failure to teach the people and their profaning of the covenant. The chapter also addresses the issue of divorce and remarriage, condemning the practice of divorcing Jewish wives to marry foreign women. The Lord promises to send a messenger to prepare the way for His coming, and the chapter concludes with a warning to the people to repent and return to the Lord. Key verses include Malachi 2:1-2, which warns the priests to obey the Lord, and Malachi 2:14-16, which condemns the practice of divorce and remarriage.
Context for the Chapter
Malachi chapter 2 is part of the larger book of Malachi, which is the last book of the Old Testament. The book is a call to the people of Israel to return to the Lord and to obey His commandments. This chapter fits into the larger narrative of the book by emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in ministry and the need for the people to repent and return to the Lord. The chapter also points to the coming of a messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord's coming, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Heart Application
This chapter serves as a call to all ministers to remain faithful to God's Word and to uphold the standards of righteousness. It also emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in marriage and the need for believers to repent and return to the Lord. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of obedience and faithfulness in our own lives, and we are called to examine our hearts and our actions to ensure that we are living in accordance with God's standards.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Malachi chapter 2 is about the importance of faithfulness in ministry and marriage. The Lord expects His ministers to be faithful and to uphold His standards, and He condemns the practice of divorce and remarriage. The chapter points to the coming of a messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord's coming, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of obedience and faithfulness in our own lives.
Voices from the Church
“The faithfulness of God is the foundation of our faith, and the faithfulness of ministers is the foundation of the church's faith.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Lord's expectation of faithfulness from His ministers is not a suggestion, but a commandment. Ministers must be faithful to God's Word and uphold the standards of righteousness.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Lord's Warning to the Priests (Malachi 2:1-9) — The Lord warns the priests to obey His commandments and to uphold the standards of righteousness, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in ministry.
- The Consequences of Disobedience (Malachi 2:2-3) — The Lord warns of severe consequences for disobedience, including the curse of the Lord.
- The Importance of Marriage Faithfulness (Malachi 2:10-16) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in marriage, condemning the practice of divorce and remarriage.
- The Coming of the Messenger (Malachi 2:17-3:1) — The chapter points to the coming of a messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord's coming, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
- The Call to Repentance (Malachi 2:17-3:1) — The chapter concludes with a call to the people to repent and return to the Lord, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness in our own lives.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Faithfulness in Ministry
- This chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in ministry, highlighting the Lord's expectation of obedience and righteousness from His ministers. As seen in Malachi 2:1-2, the Lord warns the priests to obey His commandments and to uphold the standards of righteousness.
- The Consequences of Disobedience
- The chapter warns of severe consequences for disobedience, including the curse of the Lord. This is evident in Malachi 2:2, where the Lord promises to send a curse upon the priests if they do not obey.
- The Importance of Marriage Faithfulness
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in marriage, condemning the practice of divorce and remarriage. This is evident in Malachi 2:14-16, where the Lord condemns the practice of divorcing Jewish wives to marry foreign women.
- The Coming of the Messenger
- The chapter points to the coming of a messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord's coming, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. As seen in Malachi 3:1, the Lord promises to send His messenger to prepare the way for His coming.
Lessons from Malachi 2
- The Importance of Faithfulness in Ministry — This chapter teaches us the importance of faithfulness in ministry, highlighting the Lord's expectation of obedience and righteousness from His ministers. As seen in Malachi 2:1-2, the Lord warns the priests to obey His commandments and to uphold the standards of righteousness.
- The Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter warns of severe consequences for disobedience, including the curse of the Lord. This is evident in Malachi 2:2, where the Lord promises to send a curse upon the priests if they do not obey.
- The Importance of Marriage Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in marriage, condemning the practice of divorce and remarriage. This is evident in Malachi 2:14-16, where the Lord condemns the practice of divorcing Jewish wives to marry foreign women.
- The Coming of the Messenger — The chapter points to the coming of a messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord's coming, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. As seen in Malachi 3:1, the Lord promises to send His messenger to prepare the way for His coming.
- The Call to Repentance — The chapter concludes with a call to the people to repent and return to the Lord, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness in our own lives.
Themes from Malachi 2
- Faithfulness in Ministry — This chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in ministry, highlighting the Lord's expectation of obedience and righteousness from His ministers. As seen in Malachi 2:1-2, the Lord warns the priests to obey His commandments and to uphold the standards of righteousness.
- The Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter warns of severe consequences for disobedience, including the curse of the Lord. This is evident in Malachi 2:2, where the Lord promises to send a curse upon the priests if they do not obey.
- Marriage and Divorce — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in marriage, condemning the practice of divorce and remarriage. This is evident in Malachi 2:14-16, where the Lord condemns the practice of divorcing Jewish wives to marry foreign women.
- The Coming of the Messenger — The chapter points to the coming of a messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord's coming, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. As seen in Malachi 3:1, the Lord promises to send His messenger to prepare the way for His coming.
- Repentance and Return — The chapter concludes with a call to the people to repent and return to the Lord, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness in our own lives.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the Lord expect from His ministers, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- What are the consequences of disobedience, and how can we avoid them?
- Why is faithfulness in marriage important, and how can we cultivate this in our own relationships?
- Who is the messenger that the Lord promises to send, and what is the significance of this messenger?
- What is the call to repentance in this chapter, and how can we respond to this call in our own lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Lord's Warning to the Priests (Malachi 2:1-9)
| Malachi 2:1 | The Lord warns the priests to obey His commandments and to uphold the standards of righteousness, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in ministry. |
| Malachi 2:2 | The Lord warns of severe consequences for disobedience, including the curse of the Lord. |
| Malachi 2:3 | The Lord promises to send a curse upon the priests if they do not obey, and He will curse their blessings. |
| Malachi 2:4 | The Lord warns the priests that they have not kept His ways, but have shown partiality in their instruction. |
| Malachi 2:5 | The Lord reminds the priests of the covenant He made with their ancestors, and He warns them not to forget His covenant. |
| Malachi 2:6 | The Lord praises the priests for their faithfulness in the past, but He warns them that they have turned away from His ways. |
| Malachi 2:7 | The Lord expects the priests to be messengers of the Lord, and He warns them not to profane the covenant. |
| Malachi 2:8 | The Lord warns the priests that they have caused many to stumble, and He will send a curse upon them if they do not repent. |
| Malachi 2:9 | The Lord will send a curse upon the priests, and He will cover their faces with shame if they do not obey. |
2. The Condemnation of Divorce and Remarriage (Malachi 2:10-16)
| Malachi 2:10 | The Lord condemns the practice of divorce and remarriage, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in marriage. |
| Malachi 2:11 | The Lord warns the people that they have dealt treacherously with their Jewish wives, and He condemns the practice of marrying foreign women. |
| Malachi 2:12 | The Lord will cut off from the tents of Jacob any man who marries a foreign woman, and He will punish those who do not obey. |
| Malachi 2:13 | The Lord warns the people that they have wept and wailed because the Lord does not accept their offerings, and He warns them to remove their tears from their eyes. |
| Malachi 2:14 | The Lord asks why He should accept the people's offerings when they have dealt treacherously with their Jewish wives, and He warns them to be faithful in their marriages. |
| Malachi 2:15 | The Lord did not create the people to be alone, but to be with their spouses, and He warns them not to deal treacherously with their wives. |
| Malachi 2:16 | The Lord hates divorce, and He warns the people not to cover their garments with violence, and not to deal treacherously with their wives. |
3. The Coming of the Messenger (Malachi 2:17-3:1)
| Malachi 2:17 | The people cry out for a messenger, and the Lord promises to send His messenger to prepare the way for His coming. |
| Malachi 3:1 | The Lord promises to send His messenger to prepare the way for His coming, and He warns the people to be ready for His arrival. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Malachi chapter 2?
The main theme of Malachi chapter 2 is the importance of faithfulness in ministry and marriage, and the consequences of disobedience. As seen in Malachi 2:1-2, the Lord warns the priests to obey His commandments and to uphold the standards of righteousness, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in ministry.
What is the significance of the messenger in Malachi 2:17?
The messenger in Malachi 2:17 is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who came to prepare the way for the Lord's coming. As seen in Malachi 3:1, the Lord promises to send His messenger to prepare the way for His coming.
What is the Lord's expectation of faithfulness from His ministers?
The Lord expects His ministers to be faithful and to uphold the standards of righteousness, as seen in Malachi 2:1-2. The Lord warns the priests to obey His commandments and to uphold the standards of righteousness, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in ministry.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Malachi 2:1 → Leviticus 21:1-9 | The Lord's warning to the priests in Malachi 2:1 is similar to the instructions given to the priests in Leviticus 21:1-9, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in ministry. |
| 2 | Malachi 2:2 → Deuteronomy 28:1-14 | The consequences of disobedience in Malachi 2:2 are similar to the curses promised in Deuteronomy 28:1-14, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness. |
| 3 | Malachi 2:10 → Genesis 2:24 | The Lord's condemnation of divorce and remarriage in Malachi 2:10 is based on the principle of marriage established in Genesis 2:24, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in marriage. |
| 4 | Malachi 2:14 → Deuteronomy 24:1-4 | The Lord's warning against dealing treacherously with Jewish wives in Malachi 2:14 is similar to the warning given in Deuteronomy 24:1-4, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in marriage. |
| 5 | Malachi 2:17 → John 1:1 | The messenger in Malachi 2:17 is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who came to prepare the way for the Lord's coming. As seen in John 1:1, Jesus is the Word of God who came to prepare the way for the Lord's coming. |
| 6 | Malachi 3:1 → Matthew 11:10 | The messenger in Malachi 3:1 is fulfilled in John the Baptist, who came to prepare the way for the Lord's coming. As seen in Matthew 11:10, John the Baptist is the messenger who prepares the way for the Lord's coming. |
| 7 | Malachi 2:1 → Hebrews 5:1-6 | The Lord's warning to the priests in Malachi 2:1 is similar to the instructions given to the priests in Hebrews 5:1-6, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in ministry. |
| 8 | Malachi 2:2 → Galatians 3:10 | The consequences of disobedience in Malachi 2:2 are similar to the curses promised in Galatians 3:10, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness. |
| 9 | Malachi 2:10 → Ephesians 5:25-33 | The Lord's condemnation of divorce and remarriage in Malachi 2:10 is based on the principle of marriage established in Ephesians 5:25-33, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in marriage. |
| 10 | Malachi 2:14 → 1 Corinthians 7:10-16 | The Lord's warning against dealing treacherously with Jewish wives in Malachi 2:14 is similar to the warning given in 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in marriage. |
Sermons on Malachi 2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Godly Home) Part 1 - the Holy Art of Training Children by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a green thumb and the art of polishing stones. He compares these skills to the art of preaching and teaching the wor |
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Strange Incense by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the opening of the seventh seal in the book of Revelation. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared and having a strong prayer life in |
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Pride by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of divorce and the breaking up of families, stating that it is a plague that is sweeping the church. The preacher emphasizes the im |
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Called to Be Christ-Like by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who becomes jealous and angry when he sees others prospering financially while he struggles. The man declares that it is his |
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A Message to Fathers and Children by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of families and the influence of children over their parents. He mentions the controversy of television in Christian homes, |
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The Fellowship of His Suffering by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker expresses his deep concern about the commercialization and profit-driven motives within the ministry. He criticizes the hiring of a promotion man and a |
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The Healing of the Home by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of using a soft answer to turn away wrath and bring healing to the home. He criticizes those who rely on loudness as a badge |
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(Godly Home) Part 24 - Godly Men Have Radiant Wives by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power of love and its importance in marriage. He emphasizes that love is an unexplainable force that cannot be quenched or drowned. The p |
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The Sin That Makes God Cry by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses how the people of God had become weary and bored with their worship and service. They doubted God's love for them and questioned where the ev |
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(Basics) 51. Bringing Up Godly Children by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching children to be honest and responsible. He uses the example of a child stealing a pencil and explains how ignoring |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Malachi 2
In Malachi 2, the Lord warns the priests to obey His commandments and to uphold the standards of righteousness, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in ministry. The Lord also condemns the practice of divorce and remarriage, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in marriage. The chapter points to the coming of a messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord's coming, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. As Matthew Henry notes, the Lord's expectation of faithfulness from His ministers is not a suggestion, but a commandment. The chapter serves as a call to all ministers to remain faithful to God's Word and to uphold the standards of righteousness, and it emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in marriage and the need for believers to repent and return to the Lord. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Lord's Expectation of Faithfulness
The chapter emphasizes the Lord's expectation of faithfulness and obedience from His ministers, highlighting the importance of upholding God's standards. This is evident in Malachi 2:1-2, where the Lord warns the priests to obey His commandments.
The Consequences of Disobedience
The chapter warns of severe consequences for disobedience, including the curse of the Lord. This is evident in Malachi 2:2, where the Lord promises to send a curse upon the priests if they do not obey.
The Importance of Marriage Faithfulness
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in marriage, condemning the practice of divorce and remarriage. This is evident in Malachi 2:14-16, where the Lord condemns the practice of divorcing Jewish wives to marry foreign women.