The Inner Meaning of the Prophets and Psalms # 247
247. Internal Meaning of Malachi, Chapter 1 (1)
1-2 The Lord has instituted a church with those who could be in external truth, but who were not in external good. (11)
3 All external good has been destroyed, and hence also external truth. (3, 10)
5-6 Although the church is there, yet they do not acknowledge the Lord. (3, 4, 8)
7-8 They worship the Lord from evil and not from good. (4)
9-10 Therefore their worship is not accepted. (3)
11 Those who are outside of the church worship the Lord, (11)
12-14 but those who are within the church profane worship, and do not worship the Lord. (4)
Malachi 1:7-8
7
You offer polluted bread on my altar. You say, 'How have we polluted you?' In that you say, 'Yahweh's table contemptible.'
8
When you offer the blind for sacrifice, isn't that evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, isn't that evil? Present it now to your governor! Will he be pleased with you? Or will he accept your person?" says Yahweh of Armies.
