But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts. The indictment returns to current priests. Ye are departed out of the way (וְאַתֶּם סַרְתֶּם מִן־הַדֶּרֶךְ, ve'attem sartem min-hadderekh)—סוּר (sur, depart/turn aside) indicates apostasy. They abandoned God's way. Worse, ye have caused many to stumble at the law (הִכְשַׁלְתֶּם רַבִּים בַּתּוֹרָה, hikhshaltem rabbim battorah). The verb כָּשַׁל (kashal, stumble/fall) in Hiphil (causative) means they made others stumble. Their false teaching led people into sin.
Ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi (שִׁחַתֶּם בְּרִית הַלֵּוִי, shiḥattem berit haLevi)—שָׁחַת (shaḥat, corrupt/ruin/destroy) indicates they violated the Levitical covenant. What God established for life and peace (v. 5), they corrupted for personal gain. Teachers who lead others astray face severe judgment (Matthew 18:6, James 3:1). The priests' corruption had generational consequences—they caused many to stumble, multiplying guilt.
Historical Context
The prophets consistently condemned false teachers who led Israel astray (Jeremiah 23:1-2, Ezekiel 34:1-10). When spiritual leaders corrupt doctrine or live wickedly, their influence multiplies evil throughout the community. By Malachi's time, generations had been affected by priestly corruption. Jesus would later confront scribes and Pharisees for similar failures—teaching human traditions as divine commandments, laying heavy burdens on people while refusing to bear them (Matthew 23:1-36). The warning remains urgent: those who teach bear special accountability for the souls under their care (Hebrews 13:17). False teachers face stricter judgment (James 3:1, 2 Peter 2:1-3).
Questions for Reflection
How does departing from God's way inevitably lead to causing others to stumble?
What does it mean to 'corrupt the covenant,' and what are the consequences?
How should the severity of judgment on false teachers shape both the calling of pastors and the discernment of congregations?
Analysis & Commentary
But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts. The indictment returns to current priests. Ye are departed out of the way (וְאַתֶּם סַרְתֶּם מִן־הַדֶּרֶךְ, ve'attem sartem min-hadderekh)—סוּר (sur, depart/turn aside) indicates apostasy. They abandoned God's way. Worse, ye have caused many to stumble at the law (הִכְשַׁלְתֶּם רַבִּים בַּתּוֹרָה, hikhshaltem rabbim battorah). The verb כָּשַׁל (kashal, stumble/fall) in Hiphil (causative) means they made others stumble. Their false teaching led people into sin.
Ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi (שִׁחַתֶּם בְּרִית הַלֵּוִי, shiḥattem berit haLevi)—שָׁחַת (shaḥat, corrupt/ruin/destroy) indicates they violated the Levitical covenant. What God established for life and peace (v. 5), they corrupted for personal gain. Teachers who lead others astray face severe judgment (Matthew 18:6, James 3:1). The priests' corruption had generational consequences—they caused many to stumble, multiplying guilt.