Malachi 1:13

"You say also, ‘Behold, what a weariness it is!’ And you have sniffed at it”, says the LORD of Armies; “and you have brought that which was taken by violence, the lame, and the sick; thus you bring the offering. Should I accept this at your hand?” says the LORD."

Key Reflection

The people of Israel were expressing their weariness and contempt for religious observances, even as they continued to bring offerings that seemed imperfect or obtained through unjust means. The LORD responded by questioning whether such offerings, tainted by violence and brought from the lame and sick, could be acceptable in His sight. This would have been particularly poignant for the original audience, who were familiar with the strict requirements of bringing sacrificial animals without blemish and the importance of sincerity in worship.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

What a weariness! -What an onerous service it is! The service of God is its own reward. If not, it becomes a greater toil, with less reward from this earth, than the things of this earth. Our only choice is between love and weariness. And ye have snuffed -(puffed) at it , i. e., at the altar; as a thing contemptible. “Ye, have brought that which was taken by violence.” In despising any positive law of God, they despised the lawgiver; and so, from contempt of the ceremonial law, they went on to break the moral law. It were indeed a mockery of God, to break a law whereby He bound man to man, and therefrom to seek to appease Himself.

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