Bible Commentaries
Malachi 1

Verse 1

burden. See note on Isaiah 13:1 ; and compare Zechariah 9:1 ; Zechariah 12:1 , &c.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah . App-4 .

to. Not "concerning".

by = by the hand of.

Malachi. Hebrew = My messenger, relating to the five messengers in this book: see App-10 . Malachi himself (Malachi 1:1 ); (2) the true Priest (Malachi 2:7 ); (3) John the Baptist (Malachi 3:1 -); (4) the Messiah Himself (Malachi 3:1-3 ); (5) Elijah (Malachi 4:5 ). This last prophecy introduces the great fulfilment of Jehovah's prophecy by Moses, the first prophet to Israel, in Deuteronomy 18:15-19 . Compare Acts 3:18-26 ; Acts 7:37 .

Verse 2

I have loved Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 7:8 ; Deuteronomy 10:15 ; Deuteronomy 33:3 ).

saith = hath said. Quoted in Romans 9:13 , Esau Jacob's. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6 , for their posterities. Quoted in Romans 9:13 ,

saith the LORD = [is] Jehovah's oracle.

Verse 3

dragons = jackals. Compare Isaiah 13:22 ; Isaiah 34:13 .Jeremiah 9:11 ; Jeremiah 10:22 ; Jeremiah 49:33 ; Jeremiah 51:37 .

Verse 4

impoverished : or, beaten down.

saith hath said.

the LORD of hosts. This expression occurs twenty four times in this prophecy, and gives its character to the whole, as in Zechariah.

border: or, territory.

wickedness = lawlessness. Hebrew. rasha`. App-44 .

Verse 6

A son , &c. Ref to Pentateuch (Exodus 20:12 ), App-92 . Note the Figure of speech Anacoenosis ( App-6 ). An appeal to opponents as having a common interest. Compare Isaiah 5:4 .Luke 11:19 . Acts 4:19 . 1Co 4:21 ; 1 Corinthians 10:15 ; 1 Corinthians 11:13 , 1 Corinthians 11:14 Galatians 1:4 , Galatians 1:21 .

master. The Hebrew accents place the chief pause here, where the statement ends on which the appeal is based.

if then, &c. These two appeals are marked off by minor accents

My name: which is again marked off for special emphasis. (1) The argument is based on natural reverence; (2) the breach is shown in the case of Israel (Isaiah 41:8 . Hosea 11:1 ); (3) the conclusion being that the priests were guilty cause.

Verse 7

Ye offer, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 15:21 ).

offer = bring nigh. Hebrew. nagash . App-43 .

is = it [is].

Verse 8

if ye offer the blind, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 22:22 .Deuteronomy 15:21; Deuteronomy 15:21 ). App-92 .

and sick, is it not = and sick [saying], it is not evil.

Verse 9

I pray you, &c. Figure of speech Irony . App-6 .

GOD. Hebrew. El .

this hath been = this hath come to pass.

by your means = at your hands.

regard = accept.

Verse 10

you. Emph. i.e. you [priests].

offering = a gift offering. Hebrew. minchah . App-43 .

Verse 11

For. See the Structure ("J" and "J", above) for the commentary.

Gentiles = nations.

heathen = nations, or Gentiles.

Verse 12

it = Me. "Me" was the reading in the primitive text; but the Sopherim state they altered othi (Me) to otho (him, or it) out of a (mistaken) sense of reverence. See App-33 . Compare Malachi 3:9 ; and Ezekiel 13:19 .

table: i.e. the altar.

the LORD = Jehovah ( App-4 .). But this is one of 134 places which the Sopherim say they altered Jehovah to "Adonai".

Verse 13

Behold Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6

and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton ( App-6 ).

snuffed = puffed. "Snuffed" is an archaism for "sniffed" - complained by snivelling: i.e. pooh-poohed.

it = My altar. See note on Malachi 1:12 .

should I accept, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 22:20 ). App-92 .

Verse 14

hath . Hebrew. yesh, See note on Lamentations 1:12 .