What does Malachi 2:6 mean?
One Levite who particularly embodied these traits was Phinehas (Numbers 25:10–13). Phinehas was the grandson of Israel's first priest, Aaron. Malachi's description in verses 5 and 6 is meant to represent the original attitude of the priests towards God. Phinehas, however, is addressed with those same traits elsewhere in Scripture. For this reason, he is probably the "gold standard" which Malachi has in mind when rebuking the priests of his day.The original priests of Israel, particularly after the events of the Golden Calf (Exodus 32) were "pure" and honored God. They did what the priests of Malachi's day did not. Namely, they taught the people correct worship, rather than allowing impure sacrifices (Malachi 1:7–8). The prior generations of Levi treated God's temple with respect, rather than with laziness (Malachi 1:13). The good instruction of these priests kept many Israelites from following evil paths.
God's intent in purifying the priesthood, through judgment (Malachi 2:2–4), is to return them to this state of honor and reverence.