Malachi 1:6–9

DISOBEDIENCE OF THE PRIESTS

6 “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. But if I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is your fear of me?k says the Lord of Armies to you priests, who despise my name.”

Yet you ask, “How have we despised your name?”

7 “By presenting defiled food on my altar.”

“How have we defiled you?” you ask.l

When you say, “The Lord’s table is contemptible.”m

8 “When you present a blind animal for sacrifice, is it not wrong? And when you present a lame or sick animal, is it not wrong?n Bring it to your governor! Would he be pleased with you or show you favor?” asks the Lord of Armies. 9 “And now plead for God’s favor. Will he be gracious to us?o Since this has come from your hands, will he show any of you favor?”p asks the Lord of Armies.