God Rebukes Israel for Unfaithfulness in Marriage

In the previous messages from the prophet Malachi, God first affirmed His unwavering love for Israel despite their doubts, then sharply rebuked the priesthood for their profound lack of respect. Now, in the third message (Malachi 2:10-16), God extends His critique to encompass both the priesthood and the entire nation, confronting them on a deeply personal and foundational issue: unfaithfulness, specifically in the context of marriage.

The central theme here is treachery – the Hebrew word bagad, meaning “to cover, be unfaithful, to betray.” God reveals how this unfaithfulness in marriage is, at its core, unfaithfulness to Him. He dissects this betrayal by addressing three key points: what marriage means to God, why marriage matters to God, and what God desires His people to do about it.

What Marriage Means to God (Malachi 2:10-12)

Malachi 2:10 asks, “Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us?” This rhetorical question establishes the fundamental unity and brotherhood within Israel, stemming from their common Creator. Yet, they had “dealt treacherously” with one another by profaning the covenant of their fathers. This treachery is most glaringly evident in their marital practices.

God reveals that faithfulness in marriage is intrinsically linked to faithfulness to Him. Conversely, unfaithfulness in marriage is a direct act of unfaithfulness to God. The text speaks of marrying “the daughter of a foreign god,” indicating that a person’s spouse essentially identifies them with that spouse’s god. As Jeremiah 2:27 and 3:14 illustrate, a person is bound to their god. Therefore, marrying someone who worships a “foreign god” implies a spiritual allegiance that defiles the holiness of God’s people.

The marriage with foreign women is described as defiling God’s “sanctuary” (variously translated as “holy institution” or “holy place” in different versions). The Hebrew word qodesh emphasizes holiness. The sanctuary, whether the physical temple or the very spiritual essence of God’s people, exemplifies His holiness. As 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 reminds us, believers are to be distinct from unbelievers, for God’s presence dwells within His people.

God declares that He will separate from His people those who engage in such treacherous acts and still dare to bring offerings to the Lord. The phrase “the ‘awake’ and the ‘aware'” (or “master and scholar,” “tempter and tempted” in other translations) is an idiom signifying “everyone.” This implies that both the priests, who were responsible for teaching God’s design and purpose in marriage, and the common people, who were responsible for receiving and obeying it, were culpable.

Why Marriage Matters to God (Malachi 2:13-15)

God is not a passive observer of human relationships; He “watches over every marriage, especially of His children.” Malachi 2:13 states, “This is another thing you do: you cover the Lord’s altar with tears, with weeping and groaning because He no longer regards your offering or accepts it with pleasure from your hand.” Their tears were not of repentance, but of frustration because their worship was no longer accepted. God then reveals the reason: “Because the Lord has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth” (Malachi 2:14).

Marriage with unbelievers directly impacts the quality of our worship. God will no longer “regard and receive the offering” of those who engage in such unholy unions. History provides ample warnings:

• Judges 3:5-7: The Israelites intermarried with Canaanites and “served their gods.”
• 1 Kings 11:1-10: Solomon’s foreign wives “turned away his heart to other gods.”
• 1 Kings 16:29-33: Ahab’s marriage to Jezebel led to the widespread worship of Baal.

These examples underscore why God explicitly commanded separation from unbelievers in marriage (Deuteronomy 7:1-4).

Furthermore, marriage with unbelievers affects the quality of the offspring. God’s ultimate desire is for “godly offspring” (Malachi 2:15). This refers to children whom God can rightfully claim, born from parents who are both believers and committed to raising them in the Lord. Throughout biblical history, God powerfully used individuals whose parents were firm in their faith – Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, and Mary, to name a few. The “Promised Seed,” Christ Himself, came through a lineage marked by believing parents (even including Gentiles like Rahab and Ruth who first became believers).

What God Wants His People to Do (Malachi 2:16)

The solution to this widespread unfaithfulness is clear and direct: “Stop divorcing your wives!” God declares unequivocally, “For I hate divorce.” This is a powerful statement against the prevalent practice of arbitrary divorce, often driven by selfish desires rather than biblical grounds.

Secondly, God commands them to “stop going after worldly women!” This reiterates the prohibition against intermarriage with those who do not share their faith. Nehemiah 13:23-27 provides a stark example of the disastrous consequences of giving children to pagan partners.

Finally, God implores them to “take heed to your spirit.” The Hebrew word shamar means to “keep, watch, preserve,” and “spirit” here refers to one’s feelings, emotions, and motives. This is a profound call to internal vigilance: “Don’t let your spirit – your feelings, emotions, and motives – go beyond or become higher than the Word of God!” Our internal state must be guarded to prevent it from leading us astray from God’s clear commands concerning marriage and faithfulness.

Conclusion

God’s rebuke to Israel for unfaithfulness in marriage carries profound implications for His “priests” today – all believers. We must be vigilant in guiding young men and women regarding relationships, for the devil actively seeks to confuse minds into believing that intermarriage with non-believers or those of other faiths is acceptable. This is a critical “hole” through which the spirits of the world can defile and weaken God’s people.

Phinehas, in Numbers 25:1-10, stands as an example of zealous action for God’s holiness against spiritual compromise through intermarriage. God’s people today must likewise be careful to remain faithful in their marriages, recognizing that it is an act of faithfulness to God Himself. This faithfulness ensures that our offerings and worship are acceptable before Him.

Let us heed God’s solemn warning: renew your vows to each other if married, and most importantly, constantly watch over your spirit, ensuring that your deepest desires and motivations align with God’s perfect will for marriage and family.