Malachi 2:1-9

E. Negative motivation: the results of disobedience 2:1-9

Whereas the emphasis in Malachi’s argument shifts at this point somewhat from the sins of the priests (cf. Malachi 1:6; Malachi 2:1) to their possible fate, there is a continuing emphasis on their sins. In the preceding sections (Malachi 1:6-14) the cultic activity of the priests (i.e., offering sacrifices) was prominent, but in this one (Malachi 2:1-9) their teaching ministry is. As with the second hortatory discourse (Malachi 2:10 to Malachi 3:6), this first one begins with positive motivation (Malachi 1:2-5) and ends with negative motivation (Malachi 2:1-9).