Abstract
The article argues that the phrase “the descendants of Levi” in Mal 3:3 includes both priests and Levites and that the author of the book of Malachi was an inspired temple preacher, or writer, who probably belonged to the ranks of priests or Levites. He was a voice of the late 5 th century, who with prophetic authority, like his predecessors, the earlier prophets, among others criticised the priests’ misconduct of the sacrificial cult (Mal 1:6–2:9). For this reason, he rejected the offerings. The failure of the priests corrupted the whole sacrificial cult including those responsible for it, the descendants of Levi, who for this reason had to be purified. The message related in Mal 3:1‑4 conveys that YHWH’s coming messenger will carry out this purification. Then the descendants of Levi will conduct the sacrificial cult in accordance with the regulations of the law, as in the days of old.
Highlights
In Mal 3:1–3, it is predicted that the Lord will send his messenger to prepare the way before his coming
In the harsh criticism of the priests’ conduct of the offerings and in the following announcement of punishment against them (Mal 1:6–2:9), the priests are contrasted with Levi of the past, with whom God made a covenant of life and well‐being
Supporting the latter interpretation, which would be in agreement with Hanson’s mentioned above, one could argue that the phrase “the descendants of Levi” in Mal 3:3 refers to a promotion of the Levites: They will replace the priests in their function as responsible for the instructions on the law and the conduct of the sacrificial cult
Summary
In Mal 3:1–3, it is predicted that the Lord will send his messenger to prepare the way before his coming. This agent is called the messenger of the covenant, and the passage relates that he will “purify the descendants. The question arises because the phrase “the descendants of Levi” occurs only here in the book of Malachi, and one has the impression that it refers to, or is at least related to, the priests who, in Mal 1:6–14(–2:9), are severely criticized for not having conducted the sacrificial cult in accordance with the law. If there is a relationship, why are the priests called the descendants of Levi in 3:1–3 but not in 1:6–2:9, which applies the term “priests” (1:6; 2:1)? Is the difference only due to a variation of terminology, being a sign of vocabulary richness in the book of Malachi?3 Or does “the descendants of Levi” refer to other temple personnel than the priests, presumably the Levites – and if so, what is the implication of such reference as regards the relationship between priests and Levites? Does it reflect a tension between them, and does the different terminology perhaps indicate that the Levites will replace the priests in their cultic duties? can either solution say anything about the author of, or the voice behind, these passages? These questions shall be discussed in this article
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