Malachi Perek 1

This perek relates Hashem’s love for Am Yisrael and Hashem’s disgust with the insincere service of the kohanim in the second Bais Hamikdash.

God’s love for the Jewish nation is always present, but Yisrael constantly questions God’s love for them.

Yisrael wonders if they are despised like Esav is, since Esav and Yaakov are brothers.

Eventually Edom, who stems from Esav, will want to rebuild their land and God won’t allow them to.

“If anyone starts up with My nation, it’s as if they start up with Me, and My anger will burn on them forever.”

Those within the borders of Eretz Yisrael will say “God is great.”

At the very least, God should be respected as a father is respected by his son, and a master is revered by his slave.

The Navi continues to rebuke the false leaders who were acting as kohanim.

“The korbanos brought by you, the kohanim, upon God’s altar, have become revolting to you!

” If you were to bring such poor presents to a governor or politician they, too, would be disgusted by your gifts!

“If you call out to Me in prayer I will forgive you! You can do teshuva!

“I, God, am a great king, and I will be revered by the nations of the world.”