But ye are departed

Malachi 2:7-8 “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 hosts. But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.”

Download But ye are departed

The hypocrisy of Israel’s priests is comprehensively outlined in these first two chapters of Malachi.

They were supposed to be messengers of the Lord, but their message was polluted and misleading. It was causing many in Israel to stumble.

The prophet says they had departed from God’s way. While maintaining the appearance of piety, continuing in religious duties, speaking, as if it were on behalf of the Lord, they were far from Him.

Periods of empty religiosity like this are common in Israel’s history. Men, in general, find themselves here often.

We want to appear Godly, while rejecting Him in our hearts.

There is no reason it has to be this way. God remains merciful and kind, longsuffering and forgiving. We must turn our hearts to Him.

Malachi 2:7-8 “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 hosts. But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.”