Malachi 1:13-14 You said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and you have snuffed at it, said the LORD of hosts; and you brought that which was torn… All that wears the appearance of religion is not sincere piety. This remark will particularly apply to those acts which constitute what we call public worship. For in privacy, where no eye is upon us but that of the Omniscient, there is less temptation to, and less danger of insincerity. Malachi is here remonstrating with the people for the "iniquity of their holy things." I. THE CRIMINAL CHARGE HE FIXES ON THIS PROFESSING COMMUNITY. It is aggravated by three things. 1. By the salutary discipline to which they had recently been subjected for their backslidings and rebellions against God. 2. By the fact that they thus sinned against the clearest knowledge. 3. By the majesty of the object against whom their offence was directed. We censure and condemn the Jews, but "are we better than they"? II. THE USES TO BE MADE OF THIS REMONSTRANCE. 1. Here are materials for your deepest humiliation and penitence. 2. How incompetent are all the rites and ceremonies of religion to save the soul! 3. See the fallacy of pharisaism. 4. How welcome, then, is the evangelical intelligence which is brought to us, to awaken a hope of the acceptance of our persons and services in the sight of a holy God. (J. Clayton.) Parallel Verses KJV: Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD. |
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