Malachi 1

The book of Malachi is the last prophetic message in the Old Testament, addressing the Israelites after their return from exile. In chapter 1, God, through Malachi, confronts the people of Israel and the priests about their attitudes and practices. The chapter opens with a reminder of God’s love for Israel, contrasting it with the people’s disrespect and unfaithfulness in worship. God reproaches them for offering defiled sacrifices, highlighting the need for sincere devotion and reverence.

Malachi 1:1 (NKJV)
1 The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi.

Malachi introduces his message as a “burden,” indicating a solemn prophetic message from God to Israel. This prophecy, delivered by Malachi, calls for introspection and a return to genuine worship. The word “burden” suggests the weightiness of the issues addressed, emphasizing that God’s message is both serious and corrective.

Malachi 1:2 (NKJV)
2 “I have loved you,” says the Lord. “Yet you say, ‘In what way have You loved us?’ Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” says the Lord. “Yet Jacob I have loved;

God declares His love for Israel, but the people question His love, doubting His faithfulness. God reminds them of His choice of Jacob over Esau, highlighting His special covenant with Israel. By emphasizing His election of Jacob, God shows His enduring commitment to Israel, despite their doubts and complaints.

Malachi 1:3-4 (NKJV)
3 But Esau I have hated, and laid waste his mountains and his heritage for the jackals of the wilderness.”
4 Even though Edom has said, “We have been impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places,” thus says the Lord of hosts: “They may build, but I will throw down; they shall be called the Territory of Wickedness, and the people against whom the Lord will have indignation forever.

God contrasts His treatment of Edom with that of Israel. While Israel is chosen, Edom, the descendants of Esau, faces desolation. Despite Edom’s attempts to rebuild, God’s judgment remains, illustrating that His choice of Israel is not due to their merit but His covenantal love. The permanence of Edom’s punishment underscores God’s steadfast relationship with Israel.

Malachi 1:5 (NKJV)
5 Your eyes shall see, and you shall say, ‘The Lord is magnified beyond the border of Israel.’

God promises that Israel will witness His glory extending beyond their nation. This broad display of God’s majesty serves as a reminder of His sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel. By acknowledging this, Israel would affirm God’s greatness and justice, reinforcing the reverence due to Him.

Malachi 1:6 (NKJV)
6 “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am the Father, where is My honor? And if I am a Master, where is My reverence?” says the Lord of hosts to you priests who despise My name. Yet you say, ‘In what way have we despised Your name?’

God reproves the priests for failing to honor Him properly. He compares their relationship to that of a son and father or a servant and master, where respect is expected. The priests’ lack of reverence shows their disregard for God’s holiness. Their question, “In what way have we despised Your name?” reveals their ignorance of their offenses, underscoring the need for repentance.

Malachi 1:7-8 (NKJV)
7 “You offer defiled food on My altar, but say, ‘In what way have we defiled You?’ By saying, ‘The table of the Lord is contemptible.’
8 And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice, is it not evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? Offer it then to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you favorably?” says the Lord of hosts.

The priests are criticized for offering defective sacrifices, reflecting a lack of respect for God’s requirements. These unworthy offerings, like blind and sick animals, indicate a dismissive attitude. God challenges them to offer such gifts to their human rulers, highlighting the disrespect shown to Him. This passage emphasizes the importance of sincere and worthy worship.

Malachi 1:9 (NKJV)
9 “But now entreat God’s favor, that He may be gracious to us. While this is being done by your hands, will He accept you favorably?” says the Lord of hosts.

Malachi urges the people to seek God’s favor, implying that only genuine repentance can restore their relationship with Him. The priests’ actions reveal a lack of true reverence, questioning whether God could bless such insincere worship. This call to entreat God underscores the need for a heart-centered return to Him.

Malachi 1:10 (NKJV)
10 “Who is there even among you who would shut the doors, so that you would not kindle fire on My altar in vain? I have no pleasure in you,” says the Lord of hosts, “Nor will I accept an offering from your hands.

God expresses frustration with the priests, even preferring that the temple doors be shut rather than receive meaningless offerings. Their insincerity displeases Him, making the rituals empty and unacceptable. This verse underscores God’s desire for genuine worship over empty religious practices.

Malachi 1:11 (NKJV)
11 For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down, My name shall be great among the Gentiles; in every place incense shall be offered to My name, and a pure offering; for My name shall be great among the nations,” says the Lord of hosts.

God proclaims that His name will be honored among the nations, foreshadowing a time when people from all nations will revere Him. Unlike Israel’s insincere worship, the Gentiles will offer pure devotion. This prophecy emphasizes God’s universal sovereignty and the global acknowledgment of His greatness.

Malachi 1:12-13 (NKJV)
12 “But you profane it, in that you say, ‘The table of the Lord is defiled; and its fruit, its food, is contemptible.’
13 You also say, ‘Oh, what a weariness!’ And you sneer at it,” says the Lord of hosts. “And you bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick; thus you bring an offering! Should I accept this from your hand?” says the Lord.

The priests’ attitude toward worship is revealed in their complaints about the offerings. They see God’s table as burdensome, showing contempt for their sacred duties. Their offerings—stolen, lame, and sick animals—demonstrate a lack of commitment. God’s rebuke underscores the need for respect and sincerity in worship.

Malachi 1:14 (NKJV)
14 “But cursed be the deceiver who has in his flock a male, and takes a vow, but sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished—For I am a great King,” says the Lord of hosts, “And My name is to be feared among the nations.

God curses those who make deceitful vows, promising a worthy offering but giving blemished sacrifices. This deception dishonors God, who reminds them of His greatness and the reverence He deserves. By calling Himself a “great King,” God emphasizes that worship requires respect, sincerity, and fear of His majesty, highlighting the need for true devotion.