Malachi 2:8

"For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of the LORD of Armies."

Key Reflection

In first-century Israel, priests held a significant and revered position as guardians of divine knowledge and the law. According to Malachi 2:8, they were expected to be living embodiments of wisdom and legal expertise, serving as authoritative sources for their community. The original audience would have understood this verse in light of the priestly role's importance; if priests failed in their duty to uphold and teach the law, the community would suffer greatly, as these leaders were seen as direct messengers from God himself, responsible for guiding the people in righteousness.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

But ye -oare departed out of the way “of knowledge, truth, equity, fear of God, which I appointed to Aaron and the Levites.” “Ye have caused many to stumble at the law.” He does not simply say, “in the law,” but “at” it. The law was what they stumbled at. They did not only misunderstand the law, through the false teaching of the priests, as though it allowed things which in truth were sins (although this too); itself was their source of stumbling.

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