Bible Commentary

Malachi 2:3

Malachi 2:3

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

I will corrupt your seed. Henderson, "I will rebuke the seed to your hurt." God would mar the promise of their crops; but, as the priests did not concern themselves with agriculture, such a threat would have had no particular application to them.

It is best, therefore, to take the pointing of some of the versions, and to translate, I will rebuke your arm; i.e. I will take from you the power of performing, or, I will neutralize your official duties, the arm being the instrument of labour, offering, and blessing.

Others consider the threat to be that they should be deprived of their allotted portion of the sacrifice—the breast and shoulder (Le 7:31, 32), or the shoulder, the two cheeks, and the maw ().

Septuagint, ἀφορίζω ὑμῖν τὸν ὦμον, "I take from you the shoulder;" Vulgate, Ego projiciam vobis brachium. Orelli takes "seed" in the sense of posterity, seeing here a reversal of such promises as , .

Spread dung upon your faces. God will deliver them over to shameful treatment, which shall cover them with contempt. The idea is derived from the filth left in the courts by the victims (see the following clause).

Your solemn feasts (chaggim); ie. the animals slain at the sacrificial feasts. God calls them "your," not "my," because they were not celebrated really in his honor, but after their own self-will and pleasure.

The dung of the sacrificial animals was by the Law carried forth and bunted without the camp (; Le ; ). One shall take you away with it. They shall be treated as filth, and cast away in some foul spot.

The Daily Devotional

One devotional. Every morning.

The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.

We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.

Continue tomorrow

Turn Bible study into a daily habit

Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.

Recommended reading

More for Malachi 2:3

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Malachi 2 — OverviewMalachi 2 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleThere are two great ordinances which divine wisdom has instituted, the wretched profanation of both of which is complained of and sharply reproved in this chapter. I. The ordinance of the ministry, which is…Malachi 2 — OverviewMalachi 2 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeMalachi 2:1, He sharply reproves the priests for neglecting their covenant; Malachi 2:10, and the people for marrying strange wives; Malachi 2:13, and for putting away their former ones, Malachi 2:17. and for infidelity.Malachi 2 — OverviewMalachi 2 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThis chapter contains a reproof both of priests and people for their sins. It begins with the priests, Mal 2:1 and threatens, in case they attend not to glorify the name of the Lord, they and their blessings should be…Malachi 2:1-9Malachi 2:1-9 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleWhat was said in the foregoing chapter was directed to the priests (ch. i. 6): Thus saith the Lord of hosts to you, O priests! that despise my name. But the crimes there charged upon them they were guilty of as…Malachi 2:1-3Malachi 2:1-3 · The Pulpit CommentarySpiritual reformation. "And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you," etc. The grand subject we gather from these words is spiritual reformation. "Now, O ye priests." The priests are specially addressed and…Malachi 2:1-4Malachi 2:1-4 · The Pulpit Commentary§ 4. For these derelictions of duty the priests are threatened with punishment.