If you will not listen, if you will not take it to heart to give honor 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.
The priests cannot evade their guilt by blaming the people's coldness. They were appointed to teach the right way; when they dissembled, their silence was consent, and they robbed God's people of His fear, letting spurious sacrifices corrupt the whole worship. The command falls on them first.
AI summary
Commenting on Malachi 2:1-17
If priests had taught the people sound doctrine, the people would have brought better offerings. The blame for corrupted sacrifice traces back to corrupted teaching. Ministers of God's Word are under God's government and answerable to Him for what they teach and what they permit.
AI summary
Commenting on Malachi 2:1-9
If ye will not hear,.... The commandment enjoined them; or the Gospel preached to them by Christ, and his apostles: and if ye will not lay it to heart to give glory to my name, saith the Lord of hosts; which they had despised and profaned before; if they did not take care of his worship and service, and honour the Messiah sent unto them...