Scientific commentary is given in parentheses after each verse.
Chapter 1
1 The prophetic word of the Lord to Israel through Malachi. (Priest-hypnotists “broadcast” through Malachi, but the word itself is a common noun; in Hebrew “maleahi” means “messenger, angel”).
2 I have loved you, says the Lord. And you say: “In what ways have You shown your love for us?” “Isn’t Esau Jacob’s brother?” says the Lord; and yet I loved Jacob, (The author touches upon important and pressing problems of the society of that time in the book. He begins with the problem of Yahweh’s attitude towards his people. The prophets have repeatedly asserted that Yahweh loves the inhabitants of Judea, but how did God prove this? how does his love manifest itself? Where is the kingdom of abundance and joy predicted by the prophets? Judah is still going through difficult times under the yoke of oppressors).
3 And he hated Esau and gave his mountains over to desolation, and his possessions to the jackals of the desert. (Esau in the Bible is the brother of Jacob and the legendary ancestor of the people of Edom).
4 If Edom says, “We are ruined, but we will rebuild what was destroyed,” then the Lord of hosts says, “They will build, but I will destroy,” and they will be called a wicked region, a people against whom the Lord is angry forever. (Edom at this time experienced a devastating invasion of the Arabs, which did not affect Judea, and the prophet cited this as evidence, supposedly, of Yahweh’s love for his people).
5 And your eyes will see this, and you will say, “The Lord is magnified above the borders of Israel!” (Judas survived and should thank God; the cunning, all-knowing priests used these events as a demonstration of the imaginary omnipotence of Yahweh).
6 The son honors his father, and the servant his master; if I am a father, then where is the respect for Me? and if I am the Lord, then where is the reverence for Me? says the Lord of hosts to you, priests, who profane my name. You say: “How do we dishonor Your name?” (Where is this gratitude? Where is the respect? Even the servants of God, the priests, have lost it).
7 You offer unclean bread on My altar, and say: “How do we dishonor You?” – By saying: “The Lord’s table is not worthy of respect.” (Priests of Judaism require respectful attitude).
