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"But you have departed from the way"

Text: Malachi 2:8

THE WAY OF THE LORD

The priests and Levites were given a covenant by the LORD. In any covenant, there would be the LORD and the recipients of the covenant. There is a basic requirement from God. He expects faithfulness!

“‘But you have departed from the way;
You have caused many to stumble at the law.
You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,’
Says the LORD of hosts.”
Malachi 2:8

1. “Says the LORD of hosts”

a) This was a very serious charge from the LORD.

b) The full title was used, “The LORD of hosts” to express the gravity of the situation.

2. Three things were highlighted:

a) “But you have departed from the way”

i) From the way of the LORD.

ii) From the way of Phinehas.

iii) From the way expected of priests and Levites.

b) “You have caused many to stumble at the law”

i) Many were stumbled when they noted the ignorance of the priests.

ii) They were also stumbled when they saw how they had served.

iii) They were stumbled because they taught wrongly.

iv) They were stumbled because they were really bad examples.

c) The covenant of Levi

i) The covenant had stood for truth and holiness.

ii) The covenant had also stood for righteousness and integrity.

iii) The covenant had called for faithfulness as well.

d) “You have corrupted the covenant of Levi”

i) The priests and Levites in Malachi’s time were a far cry from Phinehas.

ii) They had indeed corrupted all the Levites had stood for.

iii) They were guilty as charged.