Malachi gave God’s stern warning to those who held spiritual leadership over his people. He rebuked the priests for failing to honor him. The blessings of the priests would turn to curses if they did not change their ways. Yet we also see the beauty of God’s original covenant with Levi. It was a covenant of life, peace, reverence, and faithful instruction. The Lord Almighty brings peace and life to those who honor his name.
God was so disappointed with his priests. They had once walked in truth and righteousness. They who had once turned many away from sin, had turned aside from God. As a result, it caused many people to stumble. The beautiful covenant God had with Levi had been violated. Accordingly, God’s priests would be despised and humiliated. All this happened because the priests did not believe that God’s ways were right. Thus, they showed partiality in matters of God’s word. We should examine how we are living and ask ourselves, “Am I living in awe of God? Am I honoring him in my daily walk? Am I speaking truth to others, and turning them away from sin?”
Jun 27, 2026
WARNING TO PRIESTS
Passage: Malachi 2:1-9
Key verse: 7
NIV
chapter 2
1. "And now, you priests, this warning is for you.
2. If you do not listen, and if you do not resolve to honor my name," says the LORD Almighty, "I will send a curse on you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them, because you have not resolved to honor me.
3. "Because of you I will rebuke your descendants; I will smear on your faces the dung from your festival sacrifices, and you will be carried off with it.
4. And you will know that I have sent you this warning so that my covenant with Levi may continue," says the LORD Almighty.
5. "My covenant was with him, a covenant of life and peace, and I gave them to him; this called for reverence and he revered me and stood in awe of my name.
6. True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many from sin.
7. "For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the LORD Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth.
8. But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble; you have violated the covenant with Levi," says the LORD Almighty.
9. "So I have caused you to be despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not followed my ways but have shown partiality in matters of the law."
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Prayer: Father, you call your people to be messengers of your word. Help me to be faithful to this calling.
One Word: Revere God and hold him in awe