Malachi 2 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

2:1–9 Priests must teach and apply the law faithfully2:10–16 Yahweh is concerned for justice: no divorce[2:17](../02/17.md)–[3:5](../03/05.md) Yahweh is concerned for justice and will punish evildoers

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

“My covenant was with him, life and peace, and I gave them to him for fear” ([2:5](../02/05.md))

Here Yahweh seems to be alluding implicitly to what he said in [Numbers 25:12–13](../../num/25/12.md), that he was making a covenant of peace establishing Phineas (the son of the first high priest, Aaron) and his descendants in the priesthood permanently. Yahweh did this because Phineas zealously opposed the worship of foreign gods. That is what Yahweh means here by “I gave them to him for fear.” He is saying, in other words, “because he worshiped me exclusively and devotedly.” Yahweh was punishing the Israelites for this idol-worship with a plague that was killing many of them, but he ended the plague because of what Phineas did. So this was a covenant of peace (Yahweh was no longer hostile to the Israelites). It was also a covenant of life (Yahweh was no longer punishing the Israelites with death). The word life may also reflect that this was a permanent covenant that would not end. The notes to [2:5](../02/05.md) suggest ways to translate these statements.

Translation Issues

And did he not make one ([2:15a](../02/15.md))

Here are two views Bible scholars have regarding the correct interpretation of these words. (1) The word one refers to the close connection a husband and wife have. Alternate translation: [And did not God make you one with your wife?]; (2) The word one refers to God. Alternate translation: [And did not the one God make you]

and a remnant of spirit was to him? ([2:15b](../02/15.md))

Here are two views, among many, that Bible scholars have regarding the correct interpretation of these words. (1) These words mean that a husband and wife are united in body and spirit. Alternate translation: [God made you to become united with your wife in body and spirit]; (2) These words mean that the bodies and spirits of a husband and wife belong to God. Alternate translation: [and you and your wife belong to God]

“and one who covers over his garment with violence” ([2:16](../02/16.md))

Here are three views Bible scholars have regarding the correct interpretation of these words. (1) it means that husband and wife Malachi is speaking as if violence were a substance with which a person could cover a garment. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. The idea of complete covering conveys emphasis. Alternate translation: [and one who acts very violently]; (2) The word violence refers to harsh actions that could include actions other than divorce. Alternate translation: [and one who acts violently]; (3) The word violence refers to violent or cruel actions which a person conceals. Alternate translation: [and one who conceals their violence]