Malachi 1

Malachi 1:1

THe burden] A Commission for a prophecye of reproofes and threatenings. See Isaiah 13:1 To Israel] that is to say; to all the people of severall Tribes, which were returned from Babylon.

Malachi 1:2

Was not Esau] consider the principall effect of my love, in that of my meere grace: I have chosen you to be my people in your father Jacob; reproving Esau his brother, equall in all things to him: Whereupon, all my benefits have dropped downe upon you: namely, your preservation, deliverance from captivity, and re-establishment; whereof the Edomites have not been partakers.

Malachi 1:3

I bated] I have given him no part in my grace, and have left him as a sinner, and corrupted, under my wrath and judgement: which I have also shewed in his irreparable destruction; which hath not befallen you, nor cannot befall my Church; which hath alwayes a remainder, and an issue out of her evils, Jeremiah 31:36 Dragons] which have their dwelling in desart, and unfrequented places.

Malachi 1:4

We are] if they beleeve they shall be restored out of their calamities, as you out of your desolations, which have befallen you by the Caldeans; they shall finde themselves deluded, Jer. 49. 7. 17.

Malachi 1:5

From the border] even from his holy Temple, the place of his abode, from whence he sheweth the glory of his power, to the destruction of his enemies.

Malachi 1:7

Pollut] not lawfull nor acceptable, being defective, Leviticus 22:20. Deuteronomy 15:21 Bread] the Italian, food] See Lev. 3. 11. and 21. 6, 8 The Table] namely; the Altar, zek. 41. 22 and 44. 16. The meaning is; the Temple and the Altar, since the returne from captivity, are so wretched, and so different from the ancient splendor which they were in; that they doe not deserve to have such exact care taken of the beasts which are offered there, as formerly in the first Temple. See Zech, 4. 10.

Malachi 1:8

Is it not] in your prophane conceit. Or is it not evill? To thy Governour] as Zerobabel, Nehemiah, and others under the Persian Empire, who had their provision assigned them upon the people, Nehemiah 5:14-15.

Malachi 1:9

Pray] being prophane contemners of his service, as you are; thinke you that God will, or can heare your prayers?

Malachi 1:10

Who is there] my service is so farre contemned by you; that you have even neglected to shut the gates of my Temple: there being Porters which belonged thereunto Doe ye kindle]I doe recompence you largely for your service, by tythes, first fruits, offerings, &c.

Malachi 1:11

From the] seeing my service is so much despised, and growne so degenerate amongst you carnall Jewes: I will call the Gentiles under the Messias to my knowledge, who shall yeeld me a true worship in Spirit and truth; whereof this Ceremoniall worship is a figure, as Isaiah 66:23. Zech. 14 16. Malachi 3:4. See John 4:21; John 4:23.

Malachi 1:12

Prophaned it] dishonoured the name of God, bearing no respect, nor obedience to what he hath commanded Is polluted] the Altar hath bin spoyled by the Caldeans; and the sacrifices which are offered upon it, are not done with the ancient Majesty and holy pompe The fruit] whereby is meant whatsoever is offered upon the Altar.

Malachi 1:13

Ye said] and though you doe me but little service, and that after an evill manner; yet you complaine of it, as if it were a great burden to you Torne] by wilde beasts.

Malachi 1:14

The deeiver] that doth not proceed plainly, nor directly in Gods service; but hath a regard to his so did avarice A male] without any blemish, acoing to the Law of burnt offerings, Leviticus 1:1-17. 〈◊〉. 10. because that in sacrifice of thanks-giving, females were also accepted of, Leviticus, 3. 1. 6.