Verse 1

burden. See note on Isaiah 13:1; and compare Zechariah 9:1; Zechariah 12:1, &c.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

to. Not "concerning".

by = by the hand of.

Malachi. Hebrew = My messenger, relating to the five messengers in this book: see App-10. Malachi himself (Malachi 1:1); (2) the true Priest (Malachi 2:7); (3) John the Baptist (Malachi 3:1 -); (4) the Messiah Himself (Malachi 3:1-3); (5) Elijah (Malachi 4:5). This last prophecy introduces the great fulfilment of Jehovah"s prophecy by Moses, the first prophet to Israel, in Deuteronomy 18:15-19. Compare Acts 3:18-26; Acts 7:37.

Verse 2

I have loved Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 7:8; Deuteronomy 10:15; Deuteronomy 33:3).

saith = hath said. Quoted in Romans 9:13, Esau Jacob"s. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6, for their posterities. Quoted in Romans 9:13,

saith the LORD = [is] Jehovah"s oracle.

Verse 3

dragons = jackals. Compare Isaiah 13:22; Isaiah 34:13. Jeremiah 9:11; Jeremiah 10:22; Jeremiah 49:33; Jeremiah 51:37.

Verse 4

impoverished: or, beaten down.

saith hath said.

the LORD of hosts. This expression occurs twenty four times in this prophecy, and gives its character to the whole, as in Zechariah.

border: or, territory.

wickedness = lawlessness. Hebrew. rasha`. App-44.

Verse 6

A son, &c. Ref to Pentateuch (Exodus 20:12), App-92. Note the Figure of speech Anacoenosis (App-6). An appeal to opponents as having a common interest. Compare Isaiah 5:4. Luke 11:19. Acts 4:19. 1 Corinthians 4:21; 1 Corinthians 10:15; 1 Corinthians 11:13, 1 Corinthians 11:14, Galatians 1:4, Galatians 1:21.

master. The Hebrew accents place the chief pause here, where the statement ends on which the appeal is based.

if then, &c. These two appeals are marked off by minor accents

My name: which is again marked off for special emphasis. (1) The argument is based on natural reverence; (2) the breach is shown in the case of Israel (Isaiah 41:8. Hosea 11:1); (3) the conclusion being that the priests were guilty cause.

Verse 7

Ye offer, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 15:21).

offer = bring nigh. Hebrew. nagash. App-43.

is = it [is].

Verse 8

if ye offer the blind, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 22:22. Deuteronomy 15:21). App-92.

and sick, is it not = and sick [saying], it is not evil.

Verse 9

I pray you, &c. Figure of speech Irony. App-6.

GOD. Hebrew. El.

this hath been = this hath come to pass.

by your means = at your hands.

regard = accept.

Verse 10

you. Emph. i.e. you [priests].

offering = a gift offering. Hebrew. minchah. App-43.

Verse 11

For. See the Structure ("J" and "J", above) for the commentary.

Gentiles = nations.

heathen = nations, or Gentiles.

Verse 12

it = Me. "Me" was the reading in the primitive text; but the Sopherim state they altered othi (Me) to otho (him, or it) out of a (mistaken) sense of reverence. See App-33. Compare Malachi 3:9; and Ezekiel 13:19.

table: i.e. the altar.

the LORD = Jehovah (App-4.). But this is one of 134 places which the Sopherim say they altered Jehovah to "Adonai".

Verse 13

Behold Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6

and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton (App-6).

snuffed = puffed. "Snuffed" is an archaism for "sniffed" - complained by snivelling: i.e. pooh-poohed.

it = My altar. See note on Malachi 1:12.

should I accept, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 22:20). App-92.

Verse 14

hath. Hebrew. yesh, See note on Lamentations 1:12.