8. But you have turned aside from the way,and have caused many to stumble by your instruction;You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,says the Lord of hosts.
9. I, therefore, have made you contemptibleand base before all the people,For you do not keep my ways,but show partiality in your instruction.
10. Have we not all one father?Has not one God created us?Why, then, do we break faith with each other,profaning the covenant of our ancestors?
11. Judah has broken faith; an abominable thinghas been done in Israel and in Jerusalem.Judah has profaned the Lord’s holy place, which he loves,and has married a daughter of a foreign god.
12. May the Lord cut off from the man who does thisboth witness and advocate from the tents of Jacob,and anyone to bring an offering to the Lord of hosts!
13. This also you do: the altar of the Lord you coverwith tears, weeping, and groaning,Because the Lord no longer takes note of your offeringor accepts it favorably from your hand.
14. And you say, “Why?”—Because the Lord is witnessbetween you and the wife of your youthWith whom you have broken faith,though she is your companion, your covenanted wife.
15. Did he not make them one, with flesh and spirit?And what does the One require? Godly offspring!You should be on guard, then, for your life,and do not break faith with the wife of your youth.