Malachi 2: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Malachi 2 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh commands the priests to listen and respect His name, warning that failure to do so will bring curses upon them and their blessings (vv. 1-2). He announces that there will be serious consequences for their corruption, stating that He will rebuke their offspring and disgrace them (vv.

Key verse

“But you have turned away from the path. You have caused many to stumble in the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” says Yahweh of Armies.”
Malachi 2:8 (WEB)

Outline

Malachi 2:1–2 Warning to the Priests
Malachi 2:3–4 Consequences of Corruption
Malachi 2:5–7 Covenant with Levi
Malachi 2:8–9 Rebuke for Misleading the People
Malachi 2:10–12 Breach of Brotherhood
Malachi 2:13–14 Crying Out to God
Malachi 2:15–17 Call to Faithfulness

Discussion questions

In v2, what does Yahweh say will happen if the priests do not 'take it to heart'?
What does Yahweh threaten to spread on the priests' faces in v3?
In v11, why is marrying the 'daughter of a foreign god' considered an abomination?
Why does Yahweh express hatred for divorce in v16, and how does it connect to the covenant?
When have you dealt treacherously in a relationship like the men of Judah in v10?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Malachi 2: 2 Corinthians 6, Malachi 3, Matthew 19.

Before next time: read Malachi 3.