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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Malachi 2:5 "My covenant with him was one of life and peace, which I gave to him; it called for reverence, and he revered Me and stood in awe of My name.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/malachi/2-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/39_Mal_02_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Malachi 2:5 - A Warning to Priests" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="My covenant with him was one of life and peace, which I gave to him; it called for reverence, and he revered Me and stood in awe of My name." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/malachi/2-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/malachi/2-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/malachi/">Malachi</a> > <a href="/malachi/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/malachi/2-4.htm" title="Malachi 2:4">◄</a> Malachi 2:5 <a href="/malachi/2-6.htm" title="Malachi 2:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/malachi/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/malachi/2.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220My covenant was with him, a covenant of life and peace, and I gave them to him; this called for reverence and he revered me and stood in awe of my name. <a href="/nlt/malachi/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> “The purpose of my covenant with the Levites was to bring life and peace, and that is what I gave them. This required reverence from them, and they greatly revered me and stood in awe of my name. <a href="/esv/malachi/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him. It was a covenant of fear, and he feared me. He stood in awe of my name. <a href="/bsb/malachi/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “My covenant with him was one of life and peace, which I gave to him; it called for reverence, and he revered Me and stood in awe of My name. <a href="/kjv/malachi/2.htm">King James Bible</a> My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name. <a href="/nkjv/malachi/2.htm">New King James Version</a> “My covenant was with him, one of life and peace, And I gave them to him that he might fear Me; So he feared Me And was reverent before My name. <a href="/nasb_/malachi/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him as an object of reverence; so he revered Me and was in awe of My name. <a href="/nasb/malachi/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him as an object of reverence; so he revered Me and stood in awe of My name. <a href="/nasb77/malachi/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him as an object of reverence; so he revered Me, and stood in awe of My name. <a href="/lsb/malachi/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him as something to be feared; so he feared Me and stood in awe of My name. <a href="/amp/malachi/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “My covenant with Levi was [one of] life and peace, and I gave them to him as an object of reverence; so he [and the priests] feared Me and stood in reverent awe of My name. <a href="/csb/malachi/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave these to him; it called for reverence, and he revered me and stood in awe of my name. <a href="/hcsb/malachi/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave these to him; it called for reverence, and he revered Me and stood in awe of My name. <a href="/asv/malachi/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him that he might fear; and he feared me, and stood in awe of my name. <a href="/cev/malachi/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I blessed him with a full life, as I had promised, and he kept his part of the agreement by honoring me and respecting my name. <a href="/erv/malachi/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him that he might fear, and he feared me, and stood in awe of my name. <a href="/gwt/malachi/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "I promised Levi life and peace. I gave them to him so that he would respect me. He respected me and stood in awe of my name. <a href="/gnt/malachi/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> "In my covenant I promised them life and well-being, and this is what I gave them, so that they might respect me. In those days they did respect and fear me. <a href="/isv/malachi/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> "My covenant with him was for life and peace, and I gave the commandments to him so he would fear me. He did fear me as he stood in my presence. <a href="/msb/malachi/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?My covenant with him was one of life and peace, which I gave to him; it called for reverence, and he revered Me and stood in awe of My name. <a href="/net/malachi/2.htm">NET Bible</a> "My covenant with him was designed to bring life and peace. I gave its statutes to him to fill him with awe, and he indeed revered me and stood in awe before me. <a href="/nheb/malachi/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him that he might be reverent toward me; and he was reverent toward me, and stood in awe of my name. <a href="/wbt/malachi/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear with which he feared me, and was afraid before my name. <a href="/web/malachi/2.htm">World English Bible</a> “My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him that he might be reverent toward me; and he was reverent toward me, and stood in awe of my name. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/malachi/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> “My covenant has been of life and of peace with him, "" And I make them a fear to him, and he fears Me, "" And because of My Name he has been frightened. <a href="/ylt/malachi/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> My covenant hath been with him of life and of peace, And I make them to him a fear, and he doth fear Me, And because of My name he hath been affrighted. <a href="/slt/malachi/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I will give them to him fearing, and he shall fear me, and from the face of my name he was terrified.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/malachi/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> My covenant was with him of life and peace: and I gave him fear: and he feared me, and he was afraid before my name. <a href="/cpdv/malachi/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> My covenant was with him for life and peace. And I gave him fear, and he feared me, and he was afraid before the face of my name. <a href="/nabre/malachi/2.htm">New American Bible</a> My covenant with him was the life and peace which I gave him, and the fear he had for me, standing in awe of my name. <a href="/nrsvce/malachi/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> My covenant with him was a covenant of life and well-being, which I gave him; this called for reverence, and he revered me and stood in awe of my name.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/malachi/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> My covenant was with him, and I gave him life and peace; and as for fear, he feared me and trembled before my name. <a href="/hpbt/malachi/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> My covenant was with him; life and peace I have given to him. He was in awe of me and from before my name he was shaken<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/malachi/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> My covenant was with him Of life and peace, and I gave them to him, And of fear, and he feared Me, And was afraid of My name. <a href="/sep/malachi/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> My covenant of life and peace was with him, and I gave it him that he might reverently fear me, and that he might be awe-struck at my name. <a href="/parallel/malachi/2-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B6KyAs1WSHw?start=255" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/malachi/2.htm">A Warning to Priests</a> …4Then you will know that I have sent you this commandment so that My covenant with Levi may continue,” says the LORD of Hosts. 5<a href="/hebrew/1285.htm" title="1285: bə·rî·ṯî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- A covenant. From barah (like bara'); a compact.">“My covenant</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’it·tōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">with him</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yə·ṯāh (V-Qal-Perf-3fs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">was</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ha·ḥay·yîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">one of life</a> <a href="/hebrew/7965.htm" title="7965: wə·haš·šā·lō·wm (Conj-w, Art:: N-ms) -- Or shalom; from shalam; safe, i.e. well, happy, friendly; also welfare, i.e. Health, prosperity, peace.">and peace,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: wā·’et·tə·nêm- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs:: 3mp) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">which I gave</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">to him;</a> <a href="/hebrew/4172.htm" title="4172: mō·w·rā (N-ms) -- A fear, terror. Or morat; or morah; from yare'; fear; by implication, a fearful thing or deed.">it called for reverence,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: way·yî·rā·’ê·nî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 1cs) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">and he revered Me</a> <a href="/hebrew/2865.htm" title="2865: ni·ḥaṯ (V-Nifal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either by violence, or by confusion and fear.">and stood in awe</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: ū·mip·pə·nê (Conj-w, Prep-m:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: šə·mî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">of My name.</a> 6True instruction was in his mouth, and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/numbers/25-12.htm">Numbers 25:12-13</a> Declare, therefore, that I am granting him My covenant of peace. / It will be a covenant of permanent priesthood for him and his descendants, because he was zealous for his God and made atonement for the Israelites.” <a href="/nehemiah/13-29.htm">Nehemiah 13:29</a> Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and of the Levites. <a href="/deuteronomy/33-8.htm">Deuteronomy 33:8-11</a> Concerning Levi he said: “Give Your Thummim to Levi and Your Urim to Your godly one, whom You tested at Massah and contested at the waters of Meribah. / He said of his father and mother, ‘I do not consider them.’ He disregarded his brothers and did not know his own sons, for he kept Your word and maintained Your covenant. / He will teach Your ordinances to Jacob and Your law to Israel; he will set incense before You and whole burnt offerings on Your altar. ... <a href="/psalms/106-30.htm">Psalm 106:30-31</a> But Phinehas stood and intervened, and the plague was restrained. / It was credited to him as righteousness for endless generations to come. <a href="/hebrews/7-1.htm">Hebrews 7:1-3</a> This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, / and Abraham apportioned to him a tenth of everything. First, his name means “king of righteousness.” Then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” / Without father or mother or genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God, he remains a priest for all time. <a href="/hebrews/7-11.htm">Hebrews 7:11-17</a> Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on this basis the people received the law), why was there still need for another priest to appear—one in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron? / For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed as well. / He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. ... <a href="/hebrews/7-21.htm">Hebrews 7:21-22</a> but Jesus became a priest with an oath by the One who said to Him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’” / Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. <a href="/hebrews/8-6.htm">Hebrews 8:6</a> Now, however, Jesus has received a much more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises. <a href="/hebrews/9-15.htm">Hebrews 9:15</a> Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. <a href="/hebrews/13-20.htm">Hebrews 13:20</a> Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, <a href="/jeremiah/33-20.htm">Jeremiah 33:20-21</a> “This is what the LORD says: If you can break My covenant with the day and My covenant with the night, so that day and night cease to occupy their appointed time, / then My covenant may also be broken with David My servant and with My ministers the Levites who are priests, so that David will not have a son to reign on his throne. <a href="/ezekiel/34-25.htm">Ezekiel 34:25</a> I will make with them a covenant of peace and rid the land of wild animals, so that they may dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the forest. <a href="/ezekiel/37-26.htm">Ezekiel 37:26</a> And I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and multiply them, and I will set My sanctuary among them forever. <a href="/isaiah/54-10.htm">Isaiah 54:10</a> Though the mountains may be removed and the hills may be shaken, My loving devotion will not depart from you, and My covenant of peace will not be broken,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you. <a href="/isaiah/55-3.htm">Isaiah 55:3</a> Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant—My loving devotion promised to David.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear with which he feared me, and was afraid before my name.covenant.<a href="/numbers/3-45.htm">Numbers 3:45</a> Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle; and the Levites shall be mine: I am the LORD.<a href="/numbers/8-15.htm">Numbers 8:15</a> And after that shall the Levites go in to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation: and thou shalt cleanse them, and offer them for an offering.<a href="/numbers/16-9.htm">Numbers 16:9,10</a> Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them? … I gave.<a href="/exodus/32-26.htm">Exodus 32:26-29</a> Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD'S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him… <a href="/deuteronomy/33-8.htm">Deuteronomy 33:8-11</a> And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah; … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/daniel/8-17.htm">Affrighted</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-5.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/malachi/2-4.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-2.htm">Awe</a> <a href="/malachi/2-4.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/malachi/1-6.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/malachi/1-14.htm">Feared</a> <a href="/malachi/1-6.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-10.htm">Life</a> <a href="/zechariah/8-13.htm">Object</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-10.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-12.htm">Revered</a> <a href="/jeremiah/44-10.htm">Reverence</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm">Reverent</a> <a href="/zechariah/5-3.htm">Side</a> <a href="/zechariah/3-5.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-16.htm">Trembled</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-18.htm">Wherewith</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/16-5.htm">Affrighted</a> <a href="/matthew/1-20.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/malachi/2-8.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/matthew/9-8.htm">Awe</a> <a href="/malachi/2-8.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/malachi/3-5.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/malachi/3-16.htm">Feared</a> <a href="/malachi/2-9.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/malachi/2-15.htm">Life</a> <a href="/matthew/26-12.htm">Object</a> <a href="/malachi/2-6.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/joshua/4-14.htm">Revered</a> <a href="/matthew/21-37.htm">Reverence</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-8.htm">Reverent</a> <a href="/matthew/4-25.htm">Side</a> <a href="/matthew/2-9.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/matthew/28-4.htm">Trembled</a> <a href="/matthew/5-13.htm">Wherewith</a><div class="vheading2">Malachi 2</div>1. <a href="/malachi/2-1.htm">He sharply reproves the priests for neglecting their covenant;</a> 10. <a href="/malachi/2-10.htm">and the people for marrying strange wives;</a> 13. <a href="/malachi/2-13.htm">and for putting away their former ones,</a> 17. <a href="/malachi/2-17.htm">and for infidelity.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/malachi/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/malachi/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/malachi/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>My covenant with him was one of life and peace This phrase refers to God's covenant with Levi, representing the priestly line. The covenant of life and peace signifies God's promise of blessing and protection for those who faithfully serve Him. In the context of the Old Testament, the Levitical priesthood was established to mediate between God and Israel, ensuring the people's spiritual well-being. This covenant echoes the broader biblical theme of God's desire for His people to experience abundant life and peace, as seen in passages like <a href="/jeremiah/29-11.htm">Jeremiah 29:11</a> and <a href="/john/10-10.htm">John 10:10</a>.which I gave to him God's initiative in establishing the covenant highlights His grace and sovereignty. The giving of the covenant underscores that it is not earned by human effort but is a divine gift. This reflects the broader biblical narrative of God choosing and equipping individuals for His purposes, as seen in the call of Abraham (<a href="/genesis/12.htm">Genesis 12:1-3</a>) and the anointing of David (<a href="/1_samuel/16-12.htm">1 Samuel 16:12-13</a>).it called for reverence The covenant required a response of reverence, indicating a deep respect and awe for God's holiness and authority. Reverence is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing the proper attitude towards God. <a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a> states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom," highlighting the importance of reverence in the believer's life. This reverence is not merely external but involves a heart posture of submission and worship.and he revered Me Levi's reverence for God serves as a model for faithful service. This reverence is demonstrated through obedience and devotion, qualities that are essential for those in spiritual leadership. The reverence of Levi can be seen as a type of Christ, who perfectly revered and obeyed the Father, as seen in passages like <a href="/john/8-29.htm">John 8:29</a>, where Jesus says, "I always do what pleases Him."and stood in awe of My name Standing in awe of God's name signifies recognizing His majesty and power. In biblical times, a name represented one's character and authority. To stand in awe of God's name is to acknowledge His supreme authority and holiness. This awe is reflected in the worship practices of Israel, such as the use of the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) with great reverence. The awe of God's name is also seen in the New Testament, where believers are called to honor the name of Jesus, as in <a href="/philippians/2-9.htm">Philippians 2:9-11</a>, where every knee will bow at His name.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/malachi.htm">Malachi</a> A prophet in the Old Testament, Malachi's name means "my messenger." He delivered God's messages to the Israelites, focusing on their spiritual and moral failures. 2. <a href="/topical/l/levi.htm">Levi</a> The covenant mentioned in <a href="/malachi/2-5.htm">Malachi 2:5</a> refers to the tribe of Levi, specifically the Levitical priesthood, which was set apart for religious duties and service to God. 3. <a href="/topical/c/covenant.htm">Covenant</a> A solemn agreement between God and His people. In this context, it refers to the covenant of life and peace given to the Levitical priesthood. 4. <a href="/topical/f/fear_and_reverence.htm">Fear and Reverence</a> These terms highlight the appropriate response to God's holiness and authority, emphasizing respect and awe. 5. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The nation to whom Malachi was prophesying, often called to return to faithfulness and obedience to God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_covenant.htm">Understanding the Covenant</a> Recognize the significance of God's covenant with Levi as a model of life and peace, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience in our relationship with God. <a href="/topical/r/reverence_for_god.htm">Reverence for God</a> Cultivate a heart of fear and reverence for God, acknowledging His holiness and authority in our daily lives. <a href="/topical/r/role_of_spiritual_leaders.htm">Role of Spiritual Leaders</a> Reflect on the responsibilities of spiritual leaders to uphold God's truth and lead with integrity, as exemplified by the Levitical priesthood. <a href="/topical/p/peace_through_obedience.htm">Peace through Obedience</a> Understand that true peace and life come from living in accordance with God's will and commands. <a href="/topical/c/christ_as_our_high_priest.htm">Christ as Our High Priest</a> See Jesus as the fulfillment of the priestly covenant, offering us eternal life and peace through His sacrifice.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_malachi_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Malachi 2</a> <a href="/q/is_your_heart_troubled_by_worries.htm">How does Malachi address Israel's faithfulness and God's promises?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'rebuke_the_devourer'_mean.htm">What does 'Rebuke the Devourer' mean?</a> <a href="/q/malachi_on_israel's_faith_and_god's_promises.htm">How does Malachi address Israel's faithfulness and God's promises?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_coffers_in_a_church.htm">Must Christians tithe to the storehouse per Malachi 3:10?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/malachi/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) Of life and peace.--Better, life and peace--i.e., by it life and peace were guaranteed to him.Life in its highest sense.Peace as the sum total of blessing: the "fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace." (<a href="/galatians/5-22.htm" title="But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,">Galatians 5:22</a>; comp. Note on <a href="/zechariah/6-13.htm" title="Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule on his throne; and he shall be a priest on his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.">Zechariah 6:13</a>.)Them--viz., life and peace.For the fear . . . me.--Better, As fear--(i.e., as a motive for the fear of God), and he did fear me. Or, perhaps, a still better interpretation is that which represents God and Levi as each having performed his part of the covenant--God in bestowing "life and peace," Levi in rendering "fear." According to this view, the words should be translated, My covenant was with him--viz., life and peace--and I gave them to him; fear, and he feared me, and trembled before My Name.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/malachi/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 5-9. - § 5. In contrast with these evil ministers, the character of the true priest is sketched, and thus the faults of the former are shown in darker colours. Verse 5. - My covenant was with him of life and peace; rather, with him was life and peace. This is one side of the covenant, that which God gave - the blessing of life, abundance, prosperity, and secure and undisturbed enjoyment of these, in the everlasting priesthood, in agreement with the promise to Phinehas (<a href="/numbers/25-12.htm">Numbers 25:12</a>; comp. <a href="/deuteronomy/33-8.htm">Deuteronomy 33:8-11</a>). I gave them to him for the fear, etc. I gave him life and peace. The pronominal suffix "them" is not expressed in the Greek and Latin Versions, and is absent from many Hebrew manuscripts, which read, "I gave him fear." So the Vulgate, Dedi eis timorem et timuit me; Septuagint, Αδωκα αὐτῷ ἐν φόβῳ φοβεῖσθαί με, "I gave him the fear of me." This expresses man's part in the covenant: God gave him certain blessings on condition that he feared, reverenced, worshipped, and obeyed the Lord. The last part of the verse as now read is more simply explained, "and (my covenant with him was, or, I gave him) fear, and he did fear me." God's gifts were life and peace. Levi's part was fear of God: this he performed. The ideal priest observed all the duties of piety and reverence, and therefore in his case the covenant stood firm and was duly carried out. <a href="/commentaries/malachi/2-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“My covenant בְּרִיתִ֣י ׀ (bə·rî·ṯî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1285.htm">Strong's 1285: </a> A covenant with him אִתּ֗וֹ (’it·tōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> Nearness, near, with, by, at, among was הָיְתָ֣ה (hā·yə·ṯāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be [one] of life הַֽחַיִּים֙ (ha·ḥay·yîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life and peace, וְהַ֨שָּׁל֔וֹם (wə·haš·šā·lō·wm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7965.htm">Strong's 7965: </a> Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace and I gave them וָאֶתְּנֵֽם־ (wā·’et·tə·nêm-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set to him; ל֥וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> it called for reverence, מוֹרָ֖א (mō·w·rā) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4172.htm">Strong's 4172: </a> Fear, a fearful thing, deed and he revered Me וַיִּֽירָאֵ֑נִי (way·yî·rā·’ê·nî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten and stood in awe נִחַ֥ת (ni·ḥaṯ) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2865.htm">Strong's 2865: </a> To prostrate, to break down, either, by violence, by confusion and fear of My name. שְׁמִ֖י (šə·mî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> A name <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/malachi/2-5.htm">Malachi 2:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/malachi/2-5.htm">Malachi 2:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/malachi/2-5.htm">Malachi 2:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/malachi/2-5.htm">Malachi 2:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/malachi/2-5.htm">Malachi 2:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/malachi/2-5.htm">Malachi 2:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/malachi/2-5.htm">Malachi 2:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/malachi/2-5.htm">Malachi 2:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/malachi/2-5.htm">Malachi 2:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/malachi/2-5.htm">Malachi 2:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/malachi/2-5.htm">OT Prophets: Malachi 2:5 My covenant was with him of life (Malachi Mal Ml) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/malachi/2-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Malachi 2:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Malachi 2:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/malachi/2-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Malachi 2:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Malachi 2:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>