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"I have made you contemptible"

Text: Malachi 2:9

THE INEVITABLE CONSEQUENCES

The priests and Levites had to face up to the consequences of having corrupted the covenant of Levi.

“Therefore I also have made you contemptible and base
Before all the people,
Because you have not kept My ways
But have shown partiality in the law.”
Malachi 2:9

1. “Therefore I also have made you contemptible and base”

a) This was a judgment that came from the LORD of hosts.

b) It was He who gave the covenant to Levi.

c) He also has the prerogative to chasten and punish the wicked priests.

2. “Contemptible and base before all the people”

a) The priests and Levites would bear this shame publicly.

b) Held in contempt by people:

i) They would be held as being worthy of contempt by the people.

ii) The priests and Levites expected respect simply because of their office.

iii) This was not going to happen.

iv) They had disgraced and dishonoured themselves.

c) Regarded as “base”

i) The priests and Levites would not be esteemed.

ii) They would not be seen as “noble” people.

iii) They would be seen as “base” or “vulgar and common”.

3. “Because you have not kept My ways but have shown partiality in the law”

a) The priests and Levites had failed miserably to keep the ways of the LORD.

b) They had been guilty of showing “partiality” in the upholding of the law (justice).

c) They had failed in all their duties (religious and judicial matters).