1:11 It was particularly inappropriate for Israel's priests to despise Yahweh because the time would come when people from all over the world would honor His name (person; cf. Isa. 45:22-25; 49:5-7; 59:19). Incense accompanied prayers (cf. Rev. 5:8) and grain offerings were offerings of praise and worship (cf. Heb. 13:15-16). In that day people from many places would offer pure offerings. This refers to worship in the Millennium (cf. 3:1-4; Isa. 11:3-4, 9; Dan. 7:13-14, 27-28; Zeph. 2:11; 3:8-11; Zech. 14:9, 16).
1:12 Yet the priests of Malachi's day were treating Yahweh's reputation as common. The proof of this was their statements that the altar was defiled and the offerings on it were despised. Their attitude as well as their actions were wrong.
1:13 They were also saying that it was tiresome to worship the Lord. Their worship should have been passionate and joyful instead of boring and burdensome (cf. James 4:17). They were sniffing at it as something they despised and were bringing as offerings what they had stolen as well as lame and sick animals (cf. 2 Sam. 24:24). Did they expect Him to receive such sacrifices from them? How could He?
1:14 The people also were playing the old bait and switch game; they were swindling God. They vowed to offer an acceptable animal as a sacrifice, but when it came time to present the offering they substituted one of inferior quality. How totally inappropriate this was since Yahweh was a great King, the greatest in the universe. His name would be feared among all the nations, yet His own people and their spiritual leaders were treating it with contempt.
Lack of true heart for the Lord and His service marked these leaders of God's people. They evidently thought that their actions and attitudes went unnoticed by Him, but Malachi confronted them with their hypocrisy. The prophet's words should also challenge modern servants of the Lord and leaders of His people to examine our hearts.
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