Malachi 2:5
Malachi 2:5 in Multiple Translations
“My covenant with him was one of life and peace, which I gave to him; it called for reverence, and he revered Me and stood in awe of My name.
My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name.
My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him that he might fear; and he feared me, and stood in awe of my name.
My agreement with him was on my side life and peace, and I gave them to him; on his side fear, and he had fear of me and gave honour to my name.
My agreement with him was one of life and peace, which I gave to him, and respect—he respected me. He stood in awe of me.
My couenant was with him of life and peace, and I gaue him feare, and he feared mee, and was afraid before my Name.
My covenant hath been with him of life and of peace, And I make them to him a fear, and he doth fear Me, And because of My name he hath been affrighted.
“My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him that he might be reverent toward me; and he was reverent toward me, and stood in awe of my name.
My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear with which he feared me, and was afraid before my name.
My covenant was with him of life and peace: and I gave him fear: and he feared me, and he was afraid before my name.
My agreement with your ancestor Levi was because I wanted the priests to live prosperously and peacefully. And that is what I have done for them. I required that they greatly respect me and revere [DOU] me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Malachi 2:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Malachi 2:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּרִיתִ֣/י
הָיְתָ֣ה
אִתּ֗/וֹ
הַֽ/חַיִּים֙
וְ/הַ֨/שָּׁל֔וֹם
וָ/אֶתְּנֵֽ/ם
ל֥/וֹ
מוֹרָ֖א
וַ/יִּֽירָאֵ֑/נִי
וּ/מִ/פְּנֵ֥י
שְׁמִ֖/י
נִחַ֥ת
הֽוּא
בְּרִיתִ֣/י
bᵉrîyth
H1285
covenant
N-fs | Suff
הָיְתָ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
אִתּ֗/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
הַֽ/חַיִּים֙
chay
H2416
alive
Art | N-mp
וְ/הַ֨/שָּׁל֔וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
Peace
Conj | Art | N-ms
וָ/אֶתְּנֵֽ/ם
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
ל֥/וֹ
Prep | Suff
מוֹרָ֖א
môwrâʼ
H4172
fear
N-ms
וַ/יִּֽירָאֵ֑/נִי
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
וּ/מִ/פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Conj | Prep | N-cp
שְׁמִ֖/י
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
נִחַ֥ת
châthath
H2865
to to be dismayed
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Malachi 2:5
בְּרִיתִ֣/י
bᵉrîyth
H1285
"covenant"
N-fs | Suff
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation
Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.
הָיְתָ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
אִתּ֗/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
הַֽ/חַיִּים֙
chay
H2416
"alive"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
וְ/הַ֨/שָּׁל֔וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
"Peace"
Conj | Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.
וָ/אֶתְּנֵֽ/ם
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
ל֥/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
מוֹרָ֖א
môwrâʼ
H4172
"fear"
N-ms
Fear or terror, this word is used in the Bible to describe a feeling of awe or dread, often in response to God's power or presence. It is used in the book of Isaiah to describe the fear of God.
Definition: 1) fear, reverence, terror 1a) fear, terror 1b) reverence 1c) object of reverence 1d) awe-inspiring spectacle or deed Also means: mo.rah (מוֹרָה "fear" H4172B)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: dread, (that ought to be) fear(-ed), terribleness, terror. See also: Genesis 9:2; Psalms 76:12; Psalms 9:21.
וַ/יִּֽירָאֵ֑/נִי
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
וּ/מִ/פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Conj | Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
שְׁמִ֖/י
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
נִחַ֥ת
châthath
H2865
"to to be dismayed"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
To be completely broken or shattered, either physically or emotionally, causing fear or dismay, as in Psalm 6:2.
Definition: 1) to be shattered, be dismayed, be broken, be abolished, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be shattered, be broken 1a2) to be dismayed 1b) (Niphal) to be broken, be dismayed 1c) (Piel) to be shattered, be dismayed, be scared 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to be dismayed 1d2) to dismay, terrify 1d3) to shatter
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abolish, affright, be (make) afraid, amaze, beat down, discourage, (cause to) dismay, go down, scare, terrify. See also: Deuteronomy 1:21; Isaiah 37:27; Isaiah 8:9.
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
Study Notes — Malachi 2:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Malachi 2:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Malachi 2:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Malachi 2:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Malachi 2:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Malachi 2:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Malachi 2:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Malachi 2:5
- Cambridge Bible on Malachi 2:5
- Barnes' Notes on Malachi 2:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Malachi 2:5
- Sermons on Malachi 2:5
Context — A Warning to the Priests
3Behold, I will rebuke your descendants, and I will spread dung on your faces, the waste from your feasts, and you will be carried off with it.
4Then you will know that I have sent you this commandment so that My covenant with Levi may continue,” says the LORD of Hosts.
5“My covenant with him was one of life and peace, which I gave to him; it called for reverence, and he revered Me and stood in awe of My name.
6True instruction was in his mouth, and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. 7For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 25:12–13 | Declare, therefore, that I am granting him My covenant of peace. It will be a covenant of permanent priesthood for him and his descendants, because he was zealous for his God and made atonement for the Israelites.” |
| 2 | Ezekiel 34:25 | I will make with them a covenant of peace and rid the land of wild animals, so that they may dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the forest. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 37:26 | And I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and multiply them, and I will set My sanctuary among them forever. |
| 4 | Numbers 8:15 | After you have cleansed them and presented them as a wave offering, they may come to serve at the Tent of Meeting. |
| 5 | Exodus 32:26–29 | So Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the LORD, come to me.” And all the Levites gathered around him. He told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Each of you men is to fasten his sword to his side, go back and forth through the camp from gate to gate, and slay his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.’” The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people fell dead. Afterward, Moses said, “Today you have been ordained for service to the LORD, since each man went against his son and his brother; so the LORD has bestowed a blessing on you this day.” |
| 6 | Numbers 16:9–10 | Is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel and brought you near to Himself to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them? He has brought you near, you and all your fellow Levites, but you are seeking the priesthood as well. |
| 7 | Numbers 18:8–24 | Then the LORD said to Aaron, “Behold, I have put you in charge of My offerings. As for all the sacred offerings of the Israelites, I have given them to you and your sons as a portion and a permanent statute. A portion of the most holy offerings reserved from the fire will be yours. From all the offerings they render to Me as most holy offerings, whether grain offerings or sin offerings or guilt offerings, that part belongs to you and your sons. You are to eat it as a most holy offering, and every male may eat it. You shall regard it as holy. And this is yours as well: the offering of their gifts, along with all the wave offerings of the Israelites. I have given this to you and your sons and daughters as a permanent statute. Every ceremonially clean person in your household may eat it. I give you all the freshest olive oil and all the finest new wine and grain that the Israelites give to the LORD as their firstfruits. The firstfruits of everything in their land that they bring to the LORD will belong to you. Every ceremonially clean person in your household may eat them. Every devoted thing in Israel belongs to you. The firstborn of every womb, whether man or beast, that is offered to the LORD belongs to you. But you must surely redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn male of unclean animals. You are to pay the redemption price for a month-old male according to your valuation: five shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel, which is twenty gerahs. But you must not redeem the firstborn of an ox, a sheep, or a goat; they are holy. You are to sprinkle their blood on the altar and burn their fat as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. And their meat belongs to you, just as the breast and right thigh of the wave offering belong to you. All the holy offerings that the Israelites present to the LORD I give to you and to your sons and daughters as a permanent statute. It is a permanent covenant of salt before the LORD for you and your offspring.” Then the LORD said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites. Behold, I have given to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting. No longer may the Israelites come near to the Tent of Meeting, or they will incur guilt and die. The Levites are to perform the work of the Tent of Meeting, and they must bear their iniquity. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come. The Levites will not receive an inheritance among the Israelites. For I have given to the Levites as their inheritance the tithe that the Israelites present to the LORD as a contribution. That is why I told them that they would not receive an inheritance among the Israelites.” |
| 8 | Numbers 3:45 | “Take the Levites in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of their livestock. The Levites belong to Me; I am the LORD. |
| 9 | Psalms 106:30–31 | But Phinehas stood and intervened, and the plague was restrained. It was credited to him as righteousness for endless generations to come. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 33:8–11 | Concerning Levi he said: “Give Your Thummim to Levi and Your Urim to Your godly one, whom You tested at Massah and contested at the waters of Meribah. He said of his father and mother, ‘I do not consider them.’ He disregarded his brothers and did not know his own sons, for he kept Your word and maintained Your covenant. He will teach Your ordinances to Jacob and Your law to Israel; he will set incense before You and whole burnt offerings on Your altar. Bless his substance, O LORD, and accept the work of his hands. Smash the loins of those who rise against him, and of his foes so they can rise no more.” |
Malachi 2:5 Summary
This verse is talking about the special promise that God made with the Levites, who were the priests in the Old Testament. God promised them life and peace if they would respect and obey Him, and the Levites were called to revere God's name and stand in awe of His power and majesty. This means that they were to have a deep respect for who God is and what He has done, as seen in Psalm 103:1-5, and to recognize the importance of obeying His commands, as stated in Deuteronomy 28:1-2. We can learn from this verse by seeking to have a similar attitude of reverence and awe for God in our own lives, and by recognizing the importance of obeying His word, as seen in John 14:15.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of covenant did God have with the Levites?
According to Malachi 2:5, God's covenant with the Levites was one of life and peace, which He gave to them, and it called for reverence and awe of His name, similar to the covenant He made with Abraham in Genesis 17:1-14.
Why did God expect the Levites to revere Him?
God expected the Levites to revere Him because He is the Lord of Hosts, the all-powerful and holy God, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-5, and He desires that all people, especially His priests, tremble at His word and obey His commands, as stated in Isaiah 66:2.
What does it mean to stand in awe of God's name?
To stand in awe of God's name means to have a deep respect and reverence for who God is and what He has done, as seen in Psalm 111:9, and to recognize the power and majesty of His name, as proclaimed in Philippians 2:9-11.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply this verse by recognizing the importance of reverence and awe in our relationship with God, and by seeking to honor and obey Him in all aspects of our lives, just as the Levites were called to do, as seen in Romans 12:1-2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can show reverence and awe for God's name in my daily life?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of respect and fear for God's power and majesty?
- In what ways can I, like the Levites, be a messenger of God's word and a preserver of knowledge, as seen in Malachi 2:7?
- What are some things that I can do to 'stand in awe' of God's name, and to recognize the power and majesty of who He is?
Gill's Exposition on Malachi 2:5
My covenant was with him of life and peace,.... Not with Aaron, nor with Phinehas; nor is it to be understood of a covenant, promising temporal life and outward prosperity to either of them; Aaron
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Malachi 2:5
My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Malachi 2:5
Here is one covenant that is more particular than any, a covenant of priesthood between God and a particular tribe. With him: Levi is named , and I will rest there, though I know some would have it be Aaron, or Phinehas. Of life and peace; of long life, and prosperous, by covenant under the provisoes therein contained, assured to the Levites in their due ministrations before God. I gave them, both lives, (the word is dual,) or life and prosperity. For the fear wherewith he feared me; religious fear, or that gracious qualification which appeared in the acts of it, for he feared before God. And was afraid before my name; behaved himself with reverence and trembling before God. It is the same repeated for confirmation of the former, or perhaps it may imply the habitual name of reverence from a contrite heart, which is here pointed at, and commended in this person under the name of Levi.
Trapp's Commentary on Malachi 2:5
Malachi 2:5 My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him [for] the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name.Ver. 5. My covenant was with him of life and peace] Now God’ s covenant (saith an expositor here) is of four sorts: 1. General, made with all creatures, Genesis 9:22. With the Church in general, Genesis 17:23. With the Church of the elect, Jeremiah 32:33 4. With some particulars of some special graces, as here with Levi, of "life and peace." So then to ministers, above others, hath the Lord bound himself by special covenant to be their mighty protector and rewarder; to give them life and peace that is, long life and prosperous. See Numbers 25:12-13. Life of itself, though pestered with many miseries, is a sweet mercy, and highly to be prized. "Better is a living dog than a dead lion," Ecclesiastes 9:4 "And why is a living man sorrowful, a man for the punishment of his sins?" Lamentations 3:39. As who should say, let a man suffer never so much, yet if he be suffered to live he hath cause to be contented.
It is the Lord’ s mercy he is not consumed. When Baruk sought great things for himself, Jeremiah tells him he may be glad (in those dear years of life, when the arrows of death came so thick whisking by him) that he had his "life for a prey," Jeremiah 45:5. Jacob took more comfort of his son Joseph’ s life than of his honour. "Joseph is yet alive," &c., Genesis 45:26. Quis vitam non vult? saith Austin, Who is it that desires not life? When David moveth the question, "What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?" Austin brings in every man answering I do, and I do. Long, life and happy days is every man’ s desire. If God give these blessings to those that are graceless, it is by virtue of a providence only, and not of a promise, and that is nothing so comfortable. Life in God’ s displeasure is worse than death, said that martyr. If wicked men live long, it is that they may make up the measure of their sins; and by heaping up sin, increase their torment.
If godly men die soon, God taketh them away from the evil to come: as when there is a fire in a house or town men secure their jewels: and though they fall in wars, yet they die in peace, as good Josiah did, 2 Chronicles 34:28, who also in brevi vitro spatio tempora virtutum multa replevit, lived quickly, lived apace, lived long in a little time (Hieron.). For life consists in action, Isaiah 38:15-16. The Hebrews call running water living water.
Ellicott's Commentary on Malachi 2:5
(5) Of life and peace.—Better, life and peace—i.e., by it life and peace were guaranteed to him. Life in its highest sense. Peace as the sum total of blessing: the “fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace.” (Galatians 5:22; comp. Note on Zechariah 6:13.) Them—viz., life and peace. For the fear . . . me.—Better, As fear—(i.e., as a motive for the fear of God), and he did fear me. Or, perhaps, a still better interpretation is that which represents God and Levi as each having performed his part of the covenant—God in bestowing “life and peace,” Levi in rendering “fear.” According to this view, the words should be translated, My covenant was with him—viz., life and peace—and I gave them to him; fear, and he feared me, and trembled before My Name.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Malachi 2:5
Verse 5. My covenant was with him of life and peace] These are the two grand blessings given to men by the NEW Covenant, which was shadowed by the OLD. To man, excluded from the favour of God, and sentenced to death because of sin, God gave ברית berith, a covenant sacrifice, and this secured life-exemption from the death deserved by transgressors; communication of that inward spiritual life given by Christ, and issuing in that eternal life promised to all his faithful disciples. And, as it secured life, so it gave peace, prosperity, and happiness; peace between God and man, between man and man, and between man and his own conscience.
Cambridge Bible on Malachi 2:5
5. My covenant &c.] Comp. Numbers 25:12-13; Nehemiah 13:29. for the fear wherewith he feared me] Lit. I gave them (viz. life and peace: I fulfilled my part of the covenant) to him (as) fear, (i.e. on condition that he should fulfil his part of it), that he might fear (R.V.); and (he did fulfil it, for) he feared Me, and was afraid before (stood in awe of, R.V.) My name.
Barnes' Notes on Malachi 2:5
My covenant was with him life and peace; - literally “the life and the peace;” that, which alone is true “life and peace.” The covenant was not with Levi himself, but with Aaron, his representative,
Whedon's Commentary on Malachi 2:5
5. Was… of life and peace — Literally, was the life and the peace; that is, it aimed at life and peace. The article indicates that a specific kind of life and peace is in the mind of the author.
Sermons on Malachi 2:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Malachi by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a deep hatred for sin and living a life of righteousness. He highlights the characteristics of true preachers and p |
|
|
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Malachi) ch.1:11-2:16 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Abraham and the importance of keeping our promises to God. He highlights how Abraham went above and beyond his promise to provid |
|
|
(Through the Bible) Malachi by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the book of Malachi, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness, purity, and reverence in serving God. It highlights the need for leaders to have a burden f |
|
The Fear of the Lord by Joy Dawson | Joy Dawson emphasizes the critical need for the fear of the Lord within the body of Christ, explaining that true fear is not about being afraid of God but rather having a deep reve |
|
|
Seven Qualities of True Servants of God by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the seven qualities that characterize true servants of God as outlined in Malachi 2:5-6. He highlights the importance of reverence for God, a deep concern for |
|
The Significance of Levites in Relation to Heavenly Fullness by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the vital role of the Levites in the context of heavenly fullness, illustrating how they were set apart to bear the ark of the covenant and maintain a c |
|
Epistle 63 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of being guided by the life and light of God, urging believers to remain connected to the source of life to avoid darkness and strife. He encou |