And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.
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
False hearts breed false hands. A man who cheats God in his tithes has already broken his conscience; the bonds that hold him to his brother snap just as easily. These Jews dealt treacherously with one another because they had first dealt treacherously with their God, and by marrying heathen women and casting off their own wives, they violated the sacred covenant itself.
AI summary
Commenting on Malachi 2:10-17
God made one woman from Adam's rib, not because He lacked power to make more, but because He seeks a godly seed born in lawful wedlock. Your affections must be guarded; do not let them lead you to despise and divorce the wife of your youth for another.
AI summary