2:7a

For: The Hebrew connector ki which the Berean Standard Bible translates as For seems to introduce a conclusion for this paragraph. It emphasizes the information about the early descendants of Levi. It also prepares the reader for the next paragraph which contrasts them with the evil priests of Malachi’s time. Some English versions translate it as “for,” and some omit it. Use what would be natural in your language for this context.

the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge: That is, a priest should speak accurately about the LORD so that the people will know the LORD and what is true about him.

preserve knowledge: To preserve knowledge means both to obey it and to cause others to know it.

2:7b

people should seek instruction from his mouth: That is, people should go to a priest to learn what to do to please the LORD.

instruction: The Hebrew word which the Berean Standard Bible translates as instruction is the same word that was used in 2:6a. In Malachi it usually refers to teaching about God’s law.

General Comment on 2:6a–7b

In these verses there are parallel ideas that are arranged in a pattern called a “chiasm.”

(A) True instruction was in his mouth, (2:6a)

(B) and nothing false was found on his lips. (2:6b)

(C) He walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. (2:6c–d)

(B’) For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, (2:7a)

(A’) and people should seek instruction from his mouth. (2:7b)

Notice that the ideas in phrases A and A’ are parallel, and the ideas in phrases B and B’ are parallel.

2:7c

because: The word because in the Berean Standard Bible translates the same Hebrew connector ki which was used in 2:7a. Here it introduces the reason for 2:7a–b. English versions translate it as because or “for.” Use what would be natural in your language to express this idea.

the messenger: The Hebrew word malak which the Berean Standard Bible translates as messenger is, of course, a key word in the book of Malachi. It is used elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible to describe prophets, but only here does it refer to priests.

the LORD of Hosts: See the notes on 1:4d and 1:6e. Translate this term in the same way here.

Paragraph 2:8–9

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