The Lord Rebukes the Priests
1
And now, O priests, this command is for you.
2
If you will not listen, if you will not lay it to heart to give glory to my name, says the Lord of hosts, then I will send the curse on you and I will curse your blessings; indeed I have already cursed them, because you do not lay it to heart.
3
I will rebuke your offspring, and spread dung on your faces, the dung of your offerings, and I will put you out of my presence.
4
Know, then, that I have sent this command to you, that my covenant with Levi may hold, says the Lord of hosts.
5
My covenant with him was a covenant of life and well-being, which I gave him; this called for reverence, and he revered me and stood in awe of my name.
6
True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in integrity and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity.
7
For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.
8
But you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by your instruction; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the Lord of hosts,
9
and so I make you despised and abased before all the people, inasmuch as you have not kept my ways but have shown partiality in your instruction.