Malachi 2 Commentary
Chapter 2 starts with the same thought as chapter 1. In chapter 1, Jacob is loved while Esau is hated. Esau’s gift of ‘hatred’ is similar to what the blasphemous priests get in the opening lines of chapter two.
“Yet I have loved Jacob, but Esau I have hated.” It is a strong basis for an argument supporting a ‘mindless and blind election’ of the saint into his blessing. This thought process often ignores another fact hidden in the lines of scripture. There was another mindless and blind election process that made Esau the natural heir to the blessing.
The natural and privileged position of the firstborn was Esau’s until recklessness and weakness of character stole it from him. He cheaply sold his birthright. You wonder how he still expected to get the blessing that should naturally go to the firstborn son!
Here is the point: Priests are chosen from birth to serve at the altar of the LORD. Won’t the born-again individual think of their privileged position – the birth they received from the Spirit of grace as something to embrace intelligently, wisely, and loyally?
But not the priests of Malachi’s time! Instead, they have shown partiality in matters of the law and have caused many to stumble! Ponder your own and behold the height of your fall! It is always serious! A curse hangs like a rope that tightens further as wickedness increases.
The “lame and blind” animals of Chapter 1 could be compared to the “godless” spouses of Chapter 2. It is enough to be wicked by yourself. Do you have to double it by partnering with another wicked soul? A man who married a woman who worshipped a foreign god or an idol doubled his problems. The LORD wasn’t happy!
Then the LORD makes it plain: “The man who hates and divorces his wife does violence to the one he should protect.” Hatred is key! Probably the absence of hatred would result in zero divorces!
Seek justice but don’t think like the Just and ever-right Creator God is absent from His throne. The Judge of the entire universe, entire existence, isn’t absent from the courtroom! You will have offered zero praise!
More resources visit http://www.lovingscripture.com
LOVING SCRIPTURE 