Malachi 2:4
Malachi 2:4 in Multiple Translations
Then you will know that I have sent you this commandment so that My covenant with Levi may continue,” says the LORD of Hosts.
And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.
And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant may be with Levi, saith Jehovah of hosts.
And you will be certain that I have sent this order to you, so that it might be my agreement with Levi, says the Lord of armies.
Then you will know that I sent you this command so that my agreement with Levi can continue, says the Lord Almighty.
And yee shall know, that I haue sent this commandement vnto you, that my couenant, which I made with Leui, might stand, sayeth the Lord of hostes.
And ye have known that I have sent unto you this charge, For My covenant being with Levi, Said Jehovah of Hosts.
You will know that I have sent this commandment to you, that my covenant may be with Levi,” says the LORD of Armies.
And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment to you, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.
And you shall know that I sent you this commandment, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the Lord of hosts.
When that happens, you will know that I warned you like this, in order that my agreement with you priests who are descendants of Levi will continue to be obeyed. That is what I, the Commander of the armies of angels, am saying to you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Malachi 2:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Malachi 2:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וִֽ/ידַעְתֶּ֕ם
כִּ֚י
שִׁלַּ֣חְתִּי
אֲלֵי/כֶ֔ם
אֵ֖ת
הַ/מִּצְוָ֣ה
הַ/זֹּ֑את
לִֽ/הְי֤וֹת
בְּרִיתִ/י֙
אֶת
לֵוִ֔י
אָמַ֖ר
יְהוָ֥ה
צְבָאֽוֹת
וִֽ/ידַעְתֶּ֕ם
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Conj | V-Qal-2mp
כִּ֚י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שִׁלַּ֣חְתִּי
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
אֲלֵי/כֶ֔ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/מִּצְוָ֣ה
mitsvâh
H4687
commandment
Art | N-fs
הַ/זֹּ֑את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Art | Pron
לִֽ/הְי֤וֹת
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בְּרִיתִ/י֙
bᵉrîyth
H1285
covenant
N-fs | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
לֵוִ֔י
Lêvîy
H3878
Levi
N-proper
אָמַ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
צְבָאֽוֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
N-cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Malachi 2:4
וִֽ/ידַעְתֶּ֕ם
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Conj | V-Qal-2mp
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
כִּ֚י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שִׁלַּ֣חְתִּי
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
אֲלֵי/כֶ֔ם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מִּצְוָ֣ה
mitsvâh
H4687
"commandment"
Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word means a command or law given by God or humans, as seen in the Bible's rules and guidelines. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy. The commandments guide people's actions.
Definition: 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of God) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)
Usage: Occurs in 177 OT verses. KJV: (which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. See also: Genesis 26:5; 1 Chronicles 28:8; Psalms 19:9.
הַ/זֹּ֑את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
לִֽ/הְי֤וֹת
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בְּרִיתִ/י֙
bᵉrîyth
H1285
"covenant"
N-fs | Suff
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation
Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
לֵוִ֔י
Lêvîy
H3878
"Levi"
N-proper
Levi was a son of Jacob and Leah, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. He was a brother of Reuben, Simeon, and Judah, and the father of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi's name is significant in the tribe of Levi.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) § Levi = "joined to" the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah and progenitor of tribe of Levites
Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: Levi. See also H3879 (לֵוִי), H3881 (לֵוִיִּי). See also: Genesis 29:34; Deuteronomy 27:12; Psalms 135:20.
אָמַ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
צְבָאֽוֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
"army"
N-cp
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.
Study Notes — Malachi 2:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Malachi 2:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Malachi 2:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Malachi 2:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Malachi 2:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Malachi 2:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Malachi 2:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Malachi 2:4
- Cambridge Bible on Malachi 2:4
- Barnes' Notes on Malachi 2:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Malachi 2:4
- Sermons on Malachi 2:4
Context — A Warning to the Priests
2If 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.
3Behold, 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.
4Then 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. 6True 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 3:12 | “Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel in place of every firstborn Israelite from the womb. The Levites belong to Me, |
| 2 | Ezekiel 38:23 | I will magnify and sanctify Myself, and will reveal Myself in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD. |
| 3 | Matthew 3:12 | His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” |
| 4 | Jeremiah 28:9 | As for the prophet who prophesies peace, only if the word of the prophet comes true will the prophet be recognized as one the LORD has truly sent.” |
| 5 | John 15:2 | He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful. |
| 6 | Isaiah 26:11 | O LORD, Your hand is upraised, but they do not see it. They will see Your zeal for Your people and be put to shame. The fire set for Your enemies will consume them! |
| 7 | 1 Kings 22:25 | Micaiah replied, “You will soon see, on that day when you go and hide in an inner room.” |
| 8 | Luke 10:11 | ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off as a testimony against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.’ |
| 9 | Isaiah 27:9 | Therefore Jacob’s guilt will be atoned for, and the full fruit of the removal of his sin will be this: When he makes all the altar stones like crushed bits of chalk, no Asherah poles or incense altars will remain standing. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 44:9–16 | This is what the Lord GOD says: No foreigner uncircumcised in heart and flesh may enter My sanctuary—not even a foreigner who lives among the Israelites. Surely the Levites who wandered away from Me when Israel went astray, and who wandered away from Me after their idols, will bear the consequences of their iniquity. Yet they shall be ministers in My sanctuary, having charge of the gates of the temple and ministering there. They shall slaughter the burnt offerings and other sacrifices for the people and stand before them to minister to them. Because they ministered before their idols and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel, therefore I swore with an uplifted hand concerning them that they would bear the consequences of their iniquity, declares the Lord GOD. They must not approach Me to serve Me as priests or come near any of My holy things or the most holy things. They will bear the shame of the abominations they have committed. Yet I will appoint them to keep charge of all the work for the temple and everything to be done in it. But the Levitical priests, who are descended from Zadok and who kept charge of My sanctuary when the Israelites went astray from Me, are to approach Me to minister before Me. They will stand before Me to offer Me fat and blood, declares the Lord GOD. They alone shall enter My sanctuary and draw near to My table to minister before Me. They will keep My charge. |
Malachi 2:4 Summary
Malachi 2:4 is a reminder that God's covenant with Levi is still in effect, and He wants the priests to remain faithful to Him. This means that they need to honor God's name and follow His commandments, just like it says in Exodus 19:5-6. If they do, God will continue to bless them and use them to lead the people in worship. By following God's commandments, we can also experience His blessings and be a part of His plan to bring people to Himself, as seen in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Romans 11:25-27.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Malachi 2:4 and why is God giving this commandment?
God is giving this commandment to the priests, who are descendants of Levi, so that His covenant with Levi may continue, as stated in Malachi 2:4, and this is rooted in the original covenant made with Levi in the book of Numbers, specifically Numbers 3:11-13 and Numbers 18:21.
What does it mean for God's covenant with Levi to continue?
The continuation of God's covenant with Levi means that the priestly line will remain faithful to God and continue to serve as mediators between God and the people, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:8-11 and Ezekiel 44:15.
Why is it important for the priests to honor God's name and follow His commandments?
It is crucial for the priests to honor God's name and follow His commandments because they are responsible for leading the people in worship and teaching them about God's laws, as stated in Deuteronomy 17:8-13 and Jeremiah 18:18.
What are the consequences if the priests do not listen to God's commandments?
If the priests do not listen to God's commandments, they will face a curse, and their blessings will be turned into curses, as warned in Malachi 2:2-3, and this can also lead to the people being led astray, as seen in Isaiah 9:16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can honor God's name in my daily life, just like the priests were called to do?
- How can I ensure that I am following God's commandments and not just going through the motions of religious rituals?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be more faithful to God's covenant, just like Levi was called to be?
- How can I be a better mediator between God and others, just like the priests were called to be?
Gill's Exposition on Malachi 2:4
And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you,.... [See comments on Malachi 2:1]: that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the Lord of hosts; not that the ceremonial law might be
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Malachi 2:4
And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Malachi 2:4
And ye, O priests, shall know, by sense and feeling, by woeful experience; or, know ye, i.e. but what I speak now, and will do among you. I have sent this commandment; admonition, reproof, and exhortation, to look more carefully for the future, that you do not dishonour me, and make mine altar and sacrifices contemptible; but repent of what is past, and for time to come amend all; this I call for at your hands. That my covenant might be with Levi; that you do not null the covenant of priesthood made with Levi, and which I would have continued in his posterity, in you, and yours after you, which I would not have your sins and high provocations should abrogate; but if you will not thus confirm, settle, and keep Levi’ s covenant among you, I will make it firm as to what is on my part to be done herein, to punish the violators of it. Saith the Lord of hosts; God Almighty, Lord of hosts, hath spoken this, and will do it.
Trapp's Commentary on Malachi 2:4
Malachi 2:4 And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.Ver. 4. And ye shall know that I have sent, &c.] That is, ye shall know by woeful experience, your punishment shall advertise you; the curse appendant to the commandment shall teach you, as Gideon taught the men of Succoth, sc. with thorns and briers of the wilderness, Judges 8:16; and as David taught the children of Ammon better behaviour by making them pass through the brickkiln, 2 Samuel 12:31; and as the Phrygians wax not wise unless they be beaten to it. When God’ s "judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world shall learn righteousness," Isaiah 26:9. Smart makes wit, and vexation giveth understanding. Ehud’ s dagger was a message from God, Judges 3:20-21; who, as he is said to hold his peace when he punisheth not, Psalms 50:21 Isaiah 42:14, so to preach and teach when he doth, Isaiah 28:19; his scourges are men’ s school masters, διδασκαλοιαμισθοι, one calls them, God’ s free school masters, cursed and crabbed enough, but such as whereby he "openeth men’ s ears to discipline, and commandeth them to return from iniquity. Then he showed them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded," Job 36:8-10; that they have slighted the commandment which he had sent them, and that now he would plead with them another way, sc. with patience and with blood, Ezekiel 38:22, and so would cause them to pass under the rod, that thereby he might bring them into the bond of the covenant, purging out the rebels, and them that transgress, Ezekiel 20:37-38. God should have no tribute from men, as those malignants suggested against the returned captives, Ezra 4:13, if he did not make them know his breach of promise, Numbers 14:34, if he did not break covenant with them that first play false with him, and keep no condition on their part required. See 2 Chronicles 15:2. And when thou art making a covenant with sin, say to thy soul, as Boaz said to his kinsman, Rth 4:5 "At what time thou buyest it, thou must have Ruth with it." If thou wilt have the pleasure of sin, the wages of wickedness, thou must also have the curse, &c.; and let thy soul answer, as he there doth, No, I may not do it, I shall mar and spoil a better inheritance. Polanus and others dislike the reading of this text in the future tense, "Ye shall know that I have sent this commandment," and tell us that the scope of the prophecy requires that it be read in the present tense, thus, Nam scitis, For ye do know that I have sent, &c.
You know your dignity and duty as priests, Vos probe cognitum habetis (Polan.); and yet ye wilfully cross your own knowledge and conscience.
Ellicott's Commentary on Malachi 2:4
(4) Commandment.—Or rather, decree, as in Malachi 2:1. That my covenant might be.—Better, to be my covenant—i.e., so that this new decree, which I have been compelled to make against the house of Levi, may be my covenant with him instead of the old one, of which the prophet goes on to speak. Levi denotes throughout the tribe of Levi, and especially the priests, the sons of Aaron. (See Note on Malachi 3:3.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Malachi 2:4
Verse 4. This commandment] That in the first verse; to drive such priests from his presence and his service. That my covenant might be with Levi] I gave the priesthood and the service of my altar to that tribe.
Cambridge Bible on Malachi 2:4
4. might be] i.e. might continue (porro staret. Maurer). Whether they heard, or whether they forbore, they should learn in the issue, that God had sent them “this commandment” to repent on penalty of so dire a punishment, in order that the ancient covenant of Levi, of which the holiness of the priests was an integral part, might stand fast. What that covenant was is immediately stated in Malachi 2:5-7.
Barnes' Notes on Malachi 2:4
And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you: - this, which He had just uttered. They who believe not God when threatening, know that He is in earnest and not to be trifled with, through His punishing.
Whedon's Commentary on Malachi 2:4
4. When these things come to pass the priests will be convinced that Jehovah has sent the threats just uttered. This commandment — Contained in Malachi 2:2-3 (see on Malachi 2:1).
Sermons on Malachi 2:4
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Levitical Ministry - Part 1of4 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the Levi tribe in the Bible and how it relates to the church. The Levi tribe represents the principle and meaning of the h |
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Chief Cause for Decay in the Church by Ian Murray | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the verses from the book of Malachi, specifically chapter 4. The text speaks of a day that will come, burning like an oven, where the proud |
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Malachi #3: Defiling the Table and Dividing the Redeemed by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of serving God with reverence and awe. He highlights the covenant between God and Levi, where Levi revered God, walked in peac |
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Why Do the Heathen Rage by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the inability to pacify the wicked and gives four reasons why it is impossible. He uses Hosea 11:1 as a reference and explains that pursuing |
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Russia by Welcome Detweiler | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of attending a chapel program where a magician performed tricks to attract a crowd. After the magician finished, the speake |
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Ezekiel 39:27 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the prophecy in Ezekiel 39:27, emphasizing the significance of God's promise to pour out His Spirit on Israel after their regathering as a nation, which was f |
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The Coming Storm by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that God is shaking the world to awaken humanity from spiritual slumber, much like a parent gently shakes a sleeping child. He illustrates this divine sh |