Paragraph 2:13–16

Paragraph 2:10–12 shows that the people were unfaithful to the LORD and unfaithful to his covenant because they had married women who worshipped foreign gods (idols). Paragraph 2:13–16 tells another way that the people of Israel were unfaithful. They were also unfaithful to each other in marriage.

Notice the use of the “Statement, Question, Response” pattern, introducing a new discourse unit. See note 6 in “Literary structure and recurring features in Malachi” in the Introduction.

2:13b

You cover the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping and groaning: This is a figure of speech, a hyperbole. The people did not actually cover the altar with their tears. However they had wailed and cried loudly with much noise and emotion.

2:13c

He no longer regards your offerings: The Hebrew expression which the Berean Standard Bible translates as regards literally means “turns to.” Here it indicates that the LORD no longer considered their offerings to be worth anything.

2:13d

from your hands: In this context, from your hands means “from you.” The same Hebrew expression was used in 1:9b, 1:10e and 1:13f.

General Comment on 2:13c–d

Notice that these two verse parts are parallel:

He no longer regards your offerings

or receives them gladly from your hands.

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