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)