Malachi 2:1-9 - Warning To The Priests
1 [Jehovah God the Almighty speaks to the priests:] This command is for you. 2 You must honor me by your actions. If you will not listen to what I say, and give glory and honor to my name, I will bring a curse on you. I will put a curse on the things you receive for your support. I have already put a curse on you. Your blessings are cursed already because you do not take my command seriously.
3 I will punish your children and rub your faces in the dung of the animals you sacrifice! You will be taken away with the dung heap of your feasts. 4 You will know I sent this commandment to you! This way my covenant with Levi will continue, said Jehovah of Hosts. 5 My covenant was with him [Levi]. It was of life and peace. I gave them to him that he might reverence me. He respected me and stood in awe of my name. 6 The law of truth was in his mouth. Unrighteousness was not found in his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness. He turned many away from iniquity. 7 The priests should teach the true knowledge of God. They are the messengers of Jehovah of Hosts. Therefore the people should learn (my will) the law from them.
8 You priests have turned away from the right path. Your teaching has led many to do wrong. You have corrupted the covenant I made with Levi (you). 9 I caused you to be despised and low before all the people. You are contemptible and do not keep my ways. You show partiality when applying the law.