But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of 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
These priests left the way of truth and righteousness, and dragged many with them. They rejected the covenant of grace by directing people to seek justification through works of the law rather than faith in Christ, making themselves obstacles instead of guides.
AI summary