And now, O you priests, this commandment is for you.
The above is Malachi 2:1, and comes after, in the earlier part of chapter 1, the LORD speaks of loving Jacob and hating Esau (Edom). This is speaking (in a pattern) of those who inherit the promise (first realized in Isaac), and those who, as did Esau, have sold their birthright (inheritance) and instead chosen things for which they lusted and in which they’ve trusted (mammon). The LORD says, through Malachi, in Malachi 1:4, Esau will be called the border of wickedness, and the people against who the LORD has indignation forever. This last point is spoken in agreement with Daniel’s description, in Daniel 12:2, of those who rise, after Abram’s long sleep which began just prior to Isaac’s birth, to everlasting contempt (condemnation).
Malachi says Edom is a waste, for dragons of the wilderness, which we know speaks of crocodiles, as death lurking below the surface of the waters (words and ideas) of the wicked. He says they are saying they will return and rebuild what they themselves have turned into a desolation (wilderness). The LORD says he will throw down what they are building and it will be called the border (boundary – end) of wickedness.
Remember, Malachi is the last of the prophets, speaking some years after Zechariah ends his prophecy. As we saw in the previous post, Zechariah 14 tells of the end of the wicked as when “there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited. 12 And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes [their vision] shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue [their words] shall consume away in their mouth.”
In Malachi 1:5 the LORD (in Malachi) tells of this time, saying, “And your eyes shall see, and you shall say, The LORD will be magnified from the border of Israel [where he awakens from sleep].” This is spoken in agreement with Daniel 12:3, which says, speaking of after the same awakening, “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness [into holiness] as the stars for ever and ever.”
Zechariah continues on, telling of this moment:
Zechariah 14
13 And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from the LORD shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbor, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbor.14 And Judah [the elect remnant] also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance [these things symbolizing the ideas in which they have trusted – mammon].15 And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts [those who carry these burdens, again speaking of their words and ideas] that shall be in these tents, as this plague.16 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep [chagag] the feast [chag] of tabernacles.17 And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain [no life-giving waters – God’s word from heaven].18 And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep [chagag] the feast [chag] of tabernacles.19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt [those who have held God’s people captive – by their corrupt and confused words and ideas], and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep [chagag] the feast [chag] of tabernacles.20 In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, Holiness Unto The LORD; and the pots [filed with the word of God] in the LORD’s house shall be like the bowls before the altar.21 Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the LORD of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts.
When the pots and bowls are spoken of above, it is speak of God’s children as vessels of honor, who have purged themselves from all impurities and become holy. This (now) purification is the entire point of Malachi’s prophesy, and separate the holy from unholy. Heed this warning!
Zechariah 9
12 Turn you to the strong hold, you prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee;13 When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim [children of the double {second} blessing], and raised up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece [those wallowing in the mire they have stirred], and made thee as the sword of a mighty man.14 And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow [Epraim] shall go forth as the lightning [with understanding]: and the LORD God shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south.15 The Lord of hosts shall defend them; and they shall devour, and subdue with sling stones; and they shall drink, and make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls [with His word}, and as the corners of the altar.16 And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they shall be as the stones [jewels] of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land.17 For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids.
2 Timothy 2
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.2 And the things that you have heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit you to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.3 You therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.4 No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier.5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.6 The husbandman that labor must be first partaker of the fruits.7 Consider what I say; and the LORD give you understanding in all things.8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:13 If we believe not, yet he abides faithful: he cannot deny himself.14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the LORD that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.15 Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.17 And their word will eat as does a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus [those forbidding God’s people from joining with Him, into His holiness, into the holy of holies – false light, resisting (satan) God, hiding behind a mask of false love];18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.19 Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The LORD knows them that are his. And, let every one that names the name of Christ depart [purge themselves – be refined from impurities] from iniquity.20 But in a great house [family] there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor [as with Jacob and Esau, the children of Isaac].21 If a man therefore purge himself from these [corrupt elements], he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the LORD out of a pure heart.23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. [Do not engage with those whose obvious motivation isn’t finding the truth, for they will reject and vilify it when it comes. Their motivation is only to find an opportunity to discredit truth, and to keep the lie {seemingly} alive in their endless argument.]24 And the servant of the LORD must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
Romans 9
19 You will say then unto me, Why does he yet find fault? For who has resisted his will?20 Nay but, O man, who are you that replies against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why have you made me thus?21 Has not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor?22 What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,24 Even us, whom he has called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?25 As he says also in Hosea, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, You are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.27 Isaiah also cries concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness [into holiness]: because a short work will the LORD make upon the earth.29 And as Isaiah said before, Except the LORD of Sabaoth [Hosts – the commander of the armies of heaven] had left us a seed, we had been as Sodom, and been made like unto Gomorrah.30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness [into holiness], even the righteousness which is of faith.31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness.32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling-stone;33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumbling-stone and rock of offence: and whosoever believes on him shall not be ashamed.
Malachi 1
1 The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.2 I have loved you, says the LORD. Yet you say, Wherein have you loved us? Was not Esau Jacob’s brother? says the LORD: yet I loved Jacob,3 And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness.4 Whereas Edom says, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus says the LORD of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the LORD has indignation for ever.5 And your eyes shall see, and you shall say, The LORD will be magnified from the border of Israel.6 A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? says the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And you say, Wherein have we despised your name?7 You offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and you say, Wherein have we polluted you? In that you say, The table of the LORD is contemptible.8 And if you offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if you offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto your governor; will he be pleased with you, or accept your person? says the LORD of hosts.9 And now, I pray you, beseech God that he will be gracious unto us: this has been by your means: will he regard your persons? says the LORD of hosts.10 Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for naught? neither do you kindle fire on mine altar for naught. I have no pleasure in you, says the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand.11 For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, says the LORD of hosts.12 But you have profaned it, in that you say, The table of the LORD is polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible.13 You said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and you have snuffed at it, says the LORD of hosts; and you brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus you brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? says the LORD.14 But cursed be the deceiver, which has in his flock a male, and vows, and sacrifices unto the LORD a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, says the LORD of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen.
Malachi 2
1 And now, O you priests, this commandment is for you.2 If you will not hear, and if you will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, says the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because you do not lay it to heart.3 Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts; and one shall take you away with it.4 And you shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, says the LORD of hosts.5 My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name.6 The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity.7 For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.8 But you are departed out of the way; you have caused many to stumble at the law; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts.9 Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as you have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.10 Have we not all one father? has not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?11 Judah has dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah has profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and has married the daughter of a strange god.12 The LORD will cut off the man that does this, the master and the scholar, out of the tabernacles of Jacob, and him that offers an offering unto the LORD of hosts.13 And this have you done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regards not the offering any more, or receives it with good will at your hand.14 Yet you say, Wherefore? Because the LORD has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously: yet is she your companion, and the wife of your covenant.15 And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.16 For the LORD, the God of Israel, says that he hates putting away: for one covers violence with his garment, says the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that you deal not treacherously.17 You have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet you say, Wherein have we wearied him? When you say, Every one that does evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delights in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?
Malachi 3
1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the LORD, whom you seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom you delight in: behold, he shall come, says the LORD of hosts.2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appears? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.5 And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, says the LORD of hosts.6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore you sons of Jacob are not consumed.7 Even from the days of your fathers you are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, says the LORD of hosts. But you said, Wherein shall we return?8 Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me. But you say, Wherein have we robbed you? In tithes and offerings.9 You are cursed with a curse: for you have robbed me, even this whole nation.10 Bring you all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, says the LORD of hosts.12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for you shall be a delightsome land, says the LORD of hosts.13 Your words have been stout against me, says the LORD. Yet you say, What have we spoken so much against you?14 You have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.16 Then they that feared the LORD spoke often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.17 And they shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him.18 Then shall you return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serves God and him that serves him not [who are serving idols, mammon, and themselves].
Malachi 4
1 For, behold, the day comes, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that comes shall burn them up, says the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and you shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.3 And you shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, says the LORD of hosts.4 Remember you the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments [by which his mind was freed from the captivity in which he had been long held].5 Behold, I will send you Elijah [Jehovah is God] the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
Psalm 84
1 How amiable are your tabernacles [the houses wherein you join with us – these temporary flesh dwelling wherein God lives with us, forever], O LORD of hosts!2 My soul longs, yea, even faints for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh cries out for the living God [Him in our flesh].3 Yea, the sparrow has found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.4 Blessed are they that dwell in your house: they will be still praising you. Selah.5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in you; in whose heart are the ways of them.6 Who passing through the valley of Baca [weeping] make it a well; the rain also fills the pools.7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appears before God.8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.9 Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of your anointed.10 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusts in you.
