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Malachi 2:8
ESV But you have turned aside from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the Lord of hosts,
NIV But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble; you have violated the covenant with Levi," says the Lord Almighty.
NASB But as for you, you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by the instruction; you have ruined the covenant of Levi,' says the Lord of armies.
CSB "You, on the other hand, have turned from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have violated the covenant of Levi," says the Lord of Armies.
NLT But you priests have left God’s paths. Your instructions have caused many to stumble into sin. You have corrupted the covenant I made with the Levites,' says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
KJV 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.
NKJV But you have departed from the way; You have caused many to stumble at the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” Says the Lord of hosts.

What does Malachi 2:8 mean?

God was very specific about the kinds of sacrifices which should have been offered (Leviticus 22:17–33). The Old Testament Law commanded the priests to honor God, on penalty of death (Numbers 18:32). And the priesthood of Israel was entrusted to a single tribe, allowing the knowledge to be passed directly through family lines (Numbers 18). Despite this, the current generation of priests are disobeying and dishonoring God (Malachi 2:2). Malachi's accusations against the priests are not coming out of the blue. These are principles which have been part of Israel's heritage for centuries. They are turning away from what they have been taught, and what they know is right.

This is not merely a matter of sin between the priesthood and God. Israel's priests are supposed to be the messengers of God. The people look to them for instruction and spiritual guidance (Malachi 2:7). When these men are bitter, disobedient, and dishonest (Malachi 1:13), it leaves the people without proper leadership. This has caused them to sin against God as a nation.
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