Malachi 2:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

However, if you seek to understand the reasons behind the wrath directed at you, heed the one who proclaims: ‘because ye have not kept my ways, but have been offended’ (taken) “persons” (have been disfavored) ‘in the law.’ This, I believe, indicates the deterioration of the covenant with Levi, particularly their refusal to follow the path of righteousness as outlined in the law and their tendency to render unjust judgments in every instance, despite God’s clear command: ‘That ye receive not a face in the court, for small and great’ (‘not’) ‘shall ye judge’ (Deuteronomy 1:17). The reasons they were surrendered to their foes and became rejected also serve as a warning; if they do not pursue a life of righteousness, He will not hesitate to discipline them. Those who scorn the law will face the suitable judgment that is reserved for those who regularly transgress it.

Nevertheless, you have strayed from the correct path, despite My command, "You shall not turn to the right or to the left" (Deuteronomy 5:32), and have led many to instability regarding the law, or misled them concerning it, as Aquila and Symmachus interpret. To turn to the right signifies abstaining from the nourishment that God intended for consumption, denigrating marriage, and embracing that which has been forbidden elsewhere; "Do not be overly righteous" (Ecclesiastes 7:17, LXX). Conversely, to turn to the left involves indulging in excess and desire, thereby misleading many concerning the law: it would be preferable for such individuals to have a millstone tied around their neck and be cast into the sea than to mislead one of the least of these (Matthew 18:5). Those who have received faith through Christ yet have caused many to falter in the law do so through their negligent actions; regarding them, it is aptly stated: "You have made void my covenant with Levi," which includes the covenant of life and peace, as we have previously mentioned concerning the priestly office. Thus, the Lord declares, "I have made you despised and rejected among all nations," to the end that you may be humiliated, and instead of glory and honor, be trodden upon as someone unworthy, because you have not followed My ways and have been contemptible in fulfilling the law. Among the various transgressions of Levi, and of those priests descended from Levi, the gravest is their hypocrisy in the observance of the law, as they focus not on the substance but on appearances, despising the humble righteous man while favoring and honoring the wealthy yet unjust. To such individuals applies the admonition of the eighty-first Psalm: "Until you judge unjustly and show favoritism to sinners" (Psalms 81:2), and the Apostle Paul reminds the Galatians that "God shows no favoritism" (Galatians 2:6). The Apostle James elaborates on this sin with greater clarity (James 2:1-10). Let us understand that the exhortations given to the Hebrew people are equally relevant to us, urging us to steer clear of vices and to act with sincerity in fulfilling the law, ensuring that we honor God's commandments and uphold truth over falsehood.