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Prophetia Malachiae, 2

1. Et nunc ad vos mandatum hoc, o sacerdotes.

1. "And now, O priests, this command is for you.

2. Si nolueritis audi re et si nolueritis ponere super cor, ut detis gloriam nomini meo, ait Dominus exercituum, mittam in vos maledictionem et maledicam benedictionibus vestris; et maledicam illis, quoniam non posuistis super cor.

2. If you will not listen, if you will not lay it to heart to give glory to my name, says the LORD of hosts, then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings; indeed I have already cursed them, because you do not lay it to heart.

3. Ecce ego abscindam vobis brachium et dispergam stercus super vultum vestrum, stercus sollemnitatum vestrarum, et assumet vos secum;

3. Behold, I will rebuke your offspring, and spread dung upon your faces, the dung of your offerings, and I will put you out of my presence.

4. et scietis quia misi ad vos mandatum istud, ut esset pactum meum cum Levi, dicit Dominus exercituum.

4. So shall you know that I have sent this command to you, that my covenant with Levi may hold, says the LORD of hosts.

5. Pactum meum fuit cum eo vitae et pacis, et dedi haec ei simul cum timore, et timuit me et a facie nominis mei pavebat.

5. My covenant with him was a covenant of life and peace, and I gave them to him, that he might fear; and he feared me, he stood in awe of my name.

6. Lex veritatis fuit in ore eius, et iniquitas non est inventa in labiis eius; in pace et in aequitate ambulavit mecum et multos avertit ab iniquitate.

6. True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity.

7. Labia enim sacerdotis custodiunt scientiam, et legem requirunt ex ore eius, quia angelus Domini exercituum est.

7. For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and men should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

8. Vos autem recessistis de via et scandalizastis plurimos in lege; irritum fecistis pactum Levi, dicit Dominus exercituum;

8. But you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by your instruction; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts,

9. propter quod et ego dedi vos contemptibiles et humiles omnibus populis, sicut non servastis vias meas et accepistis personam in lege.

9. and so I make you despised and abased before all the people, inasmuch as you have not kept my ways but have shown partiality in your instruction."

10. Numquid non pater unus omnium nostrum? Numquid non Deus unus creavit nos? Quare ergo dolum facit unusquisque nostrum cum fratre suo, violans pactum patrum nostrorum?

10. Have we not all one father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers?

11. Dolum fecit Iuda, et abominatio facta est in Israel et in Ierusalem, quia contaminavit Iuda sanctuarium Domini, quod diligit, et accepit uxorem filiam dei alieni.

11. Judah has been faithless, and abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah has profaned the sanctuary of the LORD, which he loves, and has married the daughter of a foreign god.

12. Disperdet Dominus virum, qui fecerit hoc, filium et nepotem, de tabernaculis Iacob et de offerentibus munus Domino exercituum.

12. May the LORD cut off from the tents of Jacob, for the man who does this, any to witness or answer, or to bring an offering to the LORD of hosts!

13. Et hoc rursum facitis: operitis lacrimis altare Domini, fletu et mugitu, ita ut non respiciam ultra ad sacrificium nec accipiam placabile quid de manu vestra;

13. And this again you do. You cover the LORD's altar with tears, with weeping and groaning because he no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor at your hand.

14. et dicitis: “Quam ob causam?”. Quia Dominus testificatus est inter te et uxorem adulescentiae tuae, cui tu factus es infidelis; et haec particeps tua et uxor foederis tui.

14. You ask, "Why does he not?" Because the LORD was witness to the covenant between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant.

15. Nonne unitatem fecit carnis et spiritus? Et quid unitas quaerit nisi semen a Deo? Custodite ergo spiritum vestrum; et uxori adulescentiae tuae noli esse infidelis.

15. Has not the one God made and sustained for us the spirit of life? And what does he desire? Godly offspring. So take heed to yourselves, and let none be faithless to the wife of his youth.

16. Si quis odio dimittit, dicit Dominus, Deus Israel, operit iniquitas vestimentum eius, dicit Dominus exercituum. Custodite spiritum vestrum et nolite esse infideles.

16. "For I hate divorce, says the LORD the God of Israel, and covering one's garment with violence, says the LORD of hosts. So take heed to yourselves and do not be faithless."

17. Laborare facitis Dominum in sermonibus vestris et dicitis: “In quo eum facimus laborare?”. In eo quod dicitis: “Omnis, qui facit malum, bonus est in conspectu Domini, et tales ei placent” aut: “Ubi est Deus iudicii?”.

17. You have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet you say, "How have we wearied him?" By saying, "Every one who does evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delights in them." Or by asking, "Where is the God of justice?"



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Footnotes:

2:1-9 - God rebukes the priests for dishonoring His name and covenant, showing them that they have a responsibility to teach the people correctly. Spiritual leadership must reflect justice and righteousness, so that the people will follow their example and have a true relationship with God (see also James 3:1 and 1 Timothy 3:1-7).

2:10-12 - The prophet reminds the people that they are all brothers and sisters and that spiritual unfaithfulness is at odds with the covenant God made with Israel. Unity and faithfulness to the covenant are essential to their relationship with God and with one another (see also Ephesians 4:3-6 and 1 John 1:7).

2:13-16 - The issue of marital infidelity is addressed, showing that divorce and marriage to idolaters are covenant-breaking behaviors with God. The sanctity of marriage reflects God's relationship with His people, and faithfulness is required to keep that covenant pure (see also Matthew 19:4-6 and 1 Corinthians 7:10-16).

02:17 - The people complain that justice is not being served, and Malachi responds by affirming that God will bring judgment on those who practice evil. The expectation of a righteous Messiah and judge is a recurring theme, reinforcing confidence in divine justice (see also Revelation 22:12 and 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).

Verses related to Prophetia Malachiae, 2:

Malachi chapter 2 addresses the unfaithfulness of the priests and the people. What consequences does breaking the covenant bring? This incisive text rebukes spiritual leaders for straying from the path and leading others astray. The chapter condemns divorce and marriages with unbelievers, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage. Malachi 2 explores themes such as spiritual responsibility, integrity and faithfulness in human relationships and with God. Examine with us five biblical passages that correlate with the fundamental truths of this provocative chapter.

Ephesians 5:25: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her." - It reflects Malachi's call to marital fidelity, elevating him to the example of Christ.

Matthew 19:8: "Jesus replied, 'Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because of your hardness of heart. But it wasn't like that from the beginning.'" - It relates to the condemnation of divorce in Malachi 2:16, reaffirming God's original ideal for marriage.

1 Peter 2:7-8: "Therefore to you who believe this stone is precious; but for those who do not believe, 'the stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone', and 'a stone of stumbling and a rock that causes them to fall'." - It echoes Malachi's warning about stumbling in the law, contrasting with Christ's faithfulness.

James 2:9: "But if they treat others with partiality, they will be committing sin and will be condemned by the Law as transgressors." - It relates to Malachi's criticism of priests for showing partiality in applying the law.

1 Timothy 4:16: "Pay close attention to your own life and to the doctrine, persevering in these duties, for in doing so you will save both yourself and those who hear you." - It reflects Malachi's call to priests to be faithful in their teaching and conduct.

FAQ:

What does God say about mixed marriages in Malachi 2?

God condemns intermarriage between Israelites and pagans, as it leads to spiritual infidelity and corruption. (Malachi 2:11)

Why does God exhort the priests in Malachi 2?

God rebukes the priests for disobeying His covenant, corrupting the truth, and leading the people astray. (Malachi 2:1-9)

What does God's promise about Elijah's arrival in Malachi 2 mean?

God promises to send the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord, to prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah. (Malachi 2:5-6)

How were the people of Israel treating their covenant with God?

The people were treating the covenant carelessly and unfaithfully, being insincere in their promises and worshiping in the wrong way. (Malachi 2:10-16)

What does it mean that God "hates divorce" in Malachi 2?

God condemns divorce because it breaks the covenant and causes injustice, demanding fidelity in marital relations. (Malachi 2:16)


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