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Prophetia Malachiae, 1

1. Oraculum. Verbum Domini ad Israel in manu Malachiae.

1. The oracle of the word of the LORD to Israel by Mal'achi.

2. “Dilexi vos, dicit Dominus, et dixistis: “In quo dilexisti nos?”. Nonne frater erat Esau Iacob?, dicit Dominus; et dilexi Iacob,

2. "I have loved you," says the LORD. But you say, "How hast thou loved us?" "Is not Esau Jacob's brother?" says the LORD. "Yet I have loved Jacob

3. Esau autem odio habui et posui montes eius in solitudinem et hereditatem eius thoibus deserti.

3. but I have hated Esau; I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert."

4. Quod si dixerit Edom: “Destructi sumus, sed revertentes aedificabimus, quae destructa sunt”, haec dicit Dominus exercituum: Isti aedificabunt, et ego destruam; et vocabuntur 'Termini impietatis' et 'Populus, cui iratus est Dominus usque in aeternum'.

4. If Edom says, "We are shattered but we will rebuild the ruins," the LORD of hosts says, "They may build, but I will tear down, till they are called the wicked country, the people with whom the LORD is angry for ever."

5. Et oculi vestri videbunt, et vos dicetis: “Magnificatus est Dominus ultra terminos Israel”.

5. Your own eyes shall see this, and you shall say, "Great is the LORD, beyond the border of Israel!"

6. Filius honorat patrem, et servus dominum suum. Si ergo pater ego sum, ubi est honor meus? Et si Dominus ego sum, ubi est timor meus?, dicit Dominus exercituum ad vos, o sacerdotes, qui despicitis nomen meum et dicitis: “In quo despeximus nomen tuum?”.

6. "A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the LORD of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. You say, `How have we despised thy name?'

7. Offertis super altare meum panem pollutum et dicitis: “In quo polluimus te?”. In eo quod dicitis: “Mensa Domini contemptibilis est”.

7. By offering polluted food upon my altar. And you say, `How have we polluted it?' By thinking that the LORD's table may be despised.

8. Si offeratis caecum ad immolandum, nonne malum est? Et si offeratis claudum et languidum, nonne malum est? Offer illud duci tuo, si placuerit ei, aut si susceperit faciem tuam!, dicit Dominus exercituum.

8. When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that no evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that no evil? Present that to your governor; will he be pleased with you or show you favor? says the LORD of hosts.

9. Sed nunc deprecamini vultum Dei, ut misereatur vestri! De manu enim vestra factum est hoc. Num suscipiet facies vestras?, dicit Dominus exercituum.

9. And now entreat the favor of God, that he may be gracious to us. With such a gift from your hand, will he show favor to any of you? says the LORD of hosts.

10. Quis est in vobis, qui claudat ostia, ne incendatis altare meum gratuito? Non est mihi voluntas in vobis, dicit Dominus exercituum; et munus non suscipiam de manu vestra.

10. Oh, that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire upon my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, says the LORD of hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hand.

11. Ab ortu enim solis usque ad occasum magnum est nomen meum in gentibus, et in omni loco sacrificatur et offertur nomini meo oblatio munda, quia magnum nomen meum in gentibus, dicit Dominus exercituum.

11. For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name is great among the nations, and in every place incense is offered to my name, and a pure offering; for my name is great among the nations, says the LORD of hosts.

12. Vos autem polluistis illud in eo quod dicitis: “Mensa Domini contaminata est, et contemptibilis esca eius”.

12. But you profane it when you say that the LORD's table is polluted, and the food for it may be despised.

13. Et dicitis: “Quantus labor!”, et despicitis illam, dicit Dominus exercituum. Et infertis de rapinis claudum et languidum et infertis sicut munus. Numquid suscipiam illud de manu vestra?, dicit Dominus.

13. `What a weariness this is,' you say, and you sniff at me, says the LORD of hosts. You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick, and this you bring as your offering! Shall I accept that from your hand? says the LORD.

14. Maledictus dolosus, qui habet in grege suo masculum et votum faciens immolat debile Domino. Quia Rex magnus ego, dicit Dominus exercituum, et nomen meum horribile in gentibus.

14. Cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock, and vows it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished; for I am a great King, says the LORD of hosts, and my name is feared among the nations.



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Footnotes:

1:1-2 - Malachi begins his prophecy with a declaration of God's love for Israel. Even amid the people's rebellion and disobedience, God reminds Israel of His unconditional love. This message highlights God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness (see also Jeremiah 31:3 and 1 John 4:10).

1:6-8 - God rebukes the priests for offering defective sacrifices, highlighting the importance of purity and sincerity in worship. The offering to God must be of high quality and reflect the respect due Him, not something given carelessly (see also Leviticus 22:17-25 and Matthew 5:23-24).

1:10-11 - God expresses displeasure at the way worship has been corrupted and indicates that He desires true worship from all nations. This reveals God's desire for genuine worship that honors His holiness and exalts His name (see also John 4:23-24 and Isaiah 56:7).

1:12-14 - The prophecy points to a lack of reverence in worship, where people offer what is impure. God demands honor and respect in His offerings and actions, and the sin of dishonoring His authority brings serious consequences. Divine justice does not tolerate superficiality in worship (see also Revelation 3:15-16 and Philippians 4:18).

Verses related to Prophetia Malachiae, 1:

Malachi chapter 1 begins with a message about God's love for Israel. How does God demonstrate His selective love? This prophetic text contrasts the divine love for Jacob with Esau's rejection, challenging the people to recognize and respond to God's love. The chapter also rebukes priests for offering imperfect sacrifices, emphasizing the importance of honor and reverence due to God. Malachi 1 establishes themes of faithfulness, sincere worship, and divine sovereignty. Dive with us into five biblical passages that illuminate the timeless principles of this challenging chapter.

Romans 9:13: "As it is written: 'Jacob I loved, but Esau I rejected.'" - Paul quotes Malachi 1:2-3, reaffirming God's sovereignty in election.

Hebrews 12:16-17: "Let no one be immoral or profane like Esau, who for a plate of food sold his rights as the eldest son. You know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. There was no way to change the situation, although he searched for it with tears." - This verse alludes to Malachi's reference to Esau, expanding on the theme of rejection.

1 Peter 2:9: "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, to proclaim the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." - It echoes Malachi's call to priests to honor God, applying it to all believers.

Mark 1:11: "Then a voice came from heaven: 'You are my beloved Son; I delight in you.'" - It contrasts with the rebuke in Malachi 1:6, showing Jesus as the perfect Son who honors the Father.

Revelation 5:8: "And when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each of them having a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints." - It illustrates the pure offering mentioned in Malachi 1:11, fulfilled in heavenly worship.

FAQ:

What did God say about His love for Israel in Malachi 1?

God expresses His love for Israel by saying that He loved Jacob but hated Esau, showing His special affection and choice for Israel. (Malachi 1:2-3)

Why does God criticize the priests in Malachi 1?

God criticizes the priests for offering defective sacrifices, showing disrespect and neglect in religious practices. (Malachi 1:6-8)

What does God's statement about His name being great among the nations mean?

God prophesies that His name will be honored throughout the world, beyond Israel, and the Gentiles will also worship Him. (Malachi 1:11)

What does God expect of the priests and people in Malachi 1?

God expects the priests and people to offer true and worthy worship, without hypocrisy or contempt for His laws. (Malachi 1:10, 14)

How does God describe the offerings the Israelites were bringing?

God describes the Israelites’ offerings as corrupt and unclean, with blemished animals, showing a lack of respect and sincerity. (Malachi 1:13-14)


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