Malachi 2:1-9 The Covenant With Levi Is Preserved.

There was a curse upon the priests for their failure to follow the word of the LORD (vv. 1-2 Cf. 1:6; 3:9; Lev. 22:18-20; Dt. 28:15), and their offspring would also suffer for it (v. 3 Cf. Ex. 29:14; I Kgs. 14:10). The curse was in fact part and parcel of preserving the covenant made with Levi for a faithful priesthood, for those who would follow in the footsteps of Levi instead of the corrupt priests (vv. 4-5 Nu. 25:12; Dt. 33:9; Ezek. 34:25). “The law of truth was in his mouth, and injustice was not found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and equity, and turned many away from iniquity” (v. 6 Cf. Dt. 33:10; Jer. 23:22; Js. 5:20). The priest was entrusted with the knowledge of the word as “the messenger of the LORD of hosts” (v. 7 Cf. Nu. 27:21; Dt. 17:8-11; 18:18; Gal. 4:14). Malachi’s priestly audience had departed from this covenantal obligation, and in doing so they “caused many to stumble at the law” (v. 8 Cf. Nu. 25:12-13; Neh. 13:29; Jer. 18:15; Ezek. 44:10). As a result, they would be cursed and regarded as contemptible and base among the people (v. 9 I Sam. 2:30).