14 “But cursed be xthe deceiver

Who has in his flock a male,

And takes a vow,

But sacrifices to the Lord ywhat is blemished—

For zI am a great King,”

Says the Lord of hosts,

“And My name is to be feared among the nations.

Corrupt Priests

2 “And now, O apriests, this commandment is for you.

2 bIf you will not hear,

And if you will not take it to heart,

To give glory to My name,”

Says the Lord of hosts,

“I will send a curse upon you,

And I will curse your blessings.

Yes, I have cursed them calready,

Because you do not take it to heart.

3 “Behold, I will rebuke your descendants

And spread drefuse on your faces,

The refuse of your solemn feasts;

And one will etake you away 1with it.

4 Then you shall know that I have sent this commandment to you,

That My covenant with Levi may continue,”

Says the Lord of hosts.

5 “My fcovenant was with him, one of life and peace,

And I gave them to him gthat he might fear Me;

So he feared Me

And was reverent before My name.

6 hThe 2law of truth was in his mouth,

And 3injustice was not found on his lips.

He walked with Me in peace and equity,

And iturned many away from iniquity.

7 “For jthe lips of a priest should keep knowledge,

And people should seek the law from his mouth;

kFor he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.

8 But you have departed from the way;

You lhave caused many to stumble at the law.

mYou have corrupted the covenant of Levi,”

Says the Lord of hosts.

9 “Therefore nI also have made you contemptible and base

Before all the people,

Because you have not kept My ways

But have shown opartiality in the law.”