And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.
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
God does not mean to uphold the ceremonial law, which He ordained to be abolished for its weakness. The covenant with Levi is fulfilled in Christ, the antitype, who carries the true Urim and Thummim and a far more excellent priesthood; this is what the command secures under the Gospel.
AI summary