7. For a kohen’s lips should guard knowledge, and instruction must be sought from his mouth. For he is a messenger of Adonai-Tzva’ot.
8. But you have turned from the way. You caused many to stumble in Torah by the instruction, You corrupted the covenant of the Levites,” —says Adonai-Tzva’ot.
9. “So I also have made you despised and lowly to all the people, because you are not keeping My ways but show favoritism in Torah.”
10. Do we not all have one Father? Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously —a man against his brother— defiling the covenant of our fathers?
11. Judah has dealt treacherously, an abomination done in Israel, even in Jerusalem! For Judah has defiled Adonai’s Sanctuary, which He loves, and married the daughter of a foreign god.
12. Adonai will cut off the man who does this, until he is cast from the tents of Jacob, and from offering a gift to Adonai-Tzva’ot.
13. Secondly, you do this: Tears cover the altar of Adonai— you are weeping and groaning because He no longer accepts the offering or receives it favorably from your hand.
14. Yet you say, “Why?” Because Adonai bears witness between you and the wife of your youth, whom you have treated deceitfully. Yet she had been your companion and your wife by covenant.
15. Did the One not make her with a remnant of Ruach? Then what is the One seeking? Offspring of God! So protect your spirit— do not betray the wife of your youth.
16. “For I hate divorce,” —says Adonai the God of Israel— “and the one who covers his garment with injustice,” says Adonai-Tzva’ot. So protect your spirit— do not act treacherously.
17. You wearied Adonai with your words. Yet you say: “How did we weary Him?” When you say: “Everyone doing evil is good in the sight of Adonai, and He delights in them.” Or, “Where is the God of justice?”