Context / meaning
Malachi 2 [5.] “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. The law of truth was in his mouth, and unrighteousness was not found in his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many away from iniquity. For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of Yahweh of Armies. But you have turned aside out of the way. You have caused many to stumble in the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” says Yahweh of Armies. “Therefore I have also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according to the way you have not kept my ways, but have had respect for persons in the law.
Malachi 2 [10.] Don’t we all have one father? Hasn’t one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, profaning the covenant of our fathers? Judah has dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah has profaned the holiness of Yahweh which he loves, and has married the daughter of a foreign god. Yahweh will cut off, to the man who does this, him who wakes and him who answers, out of the tents of Jacob, and him who offers an offering to Yahweh of Armies. This again you do: you cover the altar of Yahweh with tears, with weeping, and with sighing, because he doesn’t regard the offering any more, neither receives it with good will at your hand. Yet you say, ‘Why?’ Because Yahweh has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion, and the wife of your covenant.
Malachi 2 [15.] Did he not make you one, although he had the residue of the Spirit? Why one? He sought godly offspring.[b] Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let no one deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. For I hate divorce”, says Yahweh, the God of Israel, “and him who covers his garment with violence!” says Yahweh of Armies. “Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you don’t deal treacherously. You have wearied Yahweh with your words. Yet you say, ‘How have we wearied him?’ In that you say, ‘Everyone who does evil is good in Yahweh’s sight, and he delights in them;’ or ‘Where is the God of justice?’
Footnotes:
b. Malachi 2:15 or, seed.
Meaning
In this verse, the prophet Malachi addresses the people of Israel, confronting them with a powerful question that challenges their actions and attitudes. He reminds them of their common heritage, unity, and the covenant they share as God's chosen people.
The opening statement, "Don't we all have one father?" highlights the fundamental unity of the Israelites. It acknowledges their shared ancestry and lineage as descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. By posing this rhetorical question, Malachi appeals to the people's sense of kinship and highlights the interconnectedness of the community.
The subsequent question, "Hasn't one God created us?" emphasizes the divine origin and purpose of their existence as a nation. Malachi reminds the Israelites that they were brought into being by the same God, who formed and called them as a chosen people. This reminder reinforces their identity as a unified community under the guidance and sovereignty of the one true God.
Malachi then challenges the people's behavior, asking, "Why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, profaning the covenant of our fathers?" This question confronts the prevailing issue of internal divisions and violations of the covenant. The prophet observes the people's unfaithfulness to one another and their disregard for the sacred bond established by their forefathers.
The phrase "deal treacherously" denotes actions of betrayal, deceit, and disloyalty. Malachi draws attention to the interpersonal conflicts and animosity that had infiltrated the community. Rather than supporting and upholding one another, they were engaged in acts that undermined the unity and trust among the Israelites.
Furthermore, Malachi highlights the profaning of the covenant, which refers to the people's failure to honor and uphold their covenantal obligations to God and one another. Their actions not only disrupted their relationship with one another but also desecrated the sacred covenant established by their ancestors.
In essence, Malachi's message in this verse is a call for unity, brotherhood, and the restoration of their commitment to the covenant. He challenges the people to reflect on their shared heritage, the common ground they possess, and the responsibility to honor their relationship as brothers and sisters in the sight of God.
This verse has broader implications beyond the specific context of ancient Israel. It reminds us of the importance of unity, respect, and fidelity within any community or society. It prompts us to examine our actions and attitudes towards our fellow human beings, encouraging us to foster a sense of kinship and mutual respect.
As we reflect on Malachi 2:10, we are reminded of our shared humanity and the divine origin that unites us all. We are called to embrace a spirit of unity, rejecting behaviors and attitudes that divide us. Let us strive to build relationships marked by loyalty, honesty, and the utmost respect for one another, thus preserving the covenant of love and compassion that binds us as human beings.
Malachi 2:10. Don’t we all have one father? Hasn’t one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, profaning the covenant of our fathers?
father - humanity - immigration - man - upright