John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 2. If ye will not hear , etc.] The commandment enjoined them; or the Gospel preached to them by Christ, and his apostles: and if ye will not lay [it] to heart to give glory to my name, saith the Lord of hosts ; which they had despised and profaned before; if they did not take care of his worship and service, and honour the Messiah sent unto them, in whom the name of the Lord was: I will even send a curse upon you ; both upon priests and people; those that bring the bad offerings, and those that receive them, as Kimchi; though Abarbinel restrains it to the priests: and I will curse your blessings , either with which the priests blessed the people; or with which both they and the people were blessed; namely, their temporal blessings, such as their corn, and wine, and oil: and what wicked men have of this world, they have it with a curse, and not a blessing, as the righteous have; and therefore a little which they have, is better than much enjoyed by the wicked, ( Psalm 37:16): yea, I have cursed them already ; that is, from the time they began to despise his name, and not give him the glory due unto him, as Kimchi and Abarbinel explain it: because ye do not lay [it] to heart ; to glorify God.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-9 - What is here said of the covenant of priesthood, is true of the covenant of grace made with all believers, as spiritual priests. It is a covenant of life and peace; it assures all believers of all happiness, both in this world and in that to come. It is an honour to God's servants to be employed as his messengers. The priest's lip should not keep knowledge from his people, but keep it for them. The people are all concerned to know the will of the Lord. We must not onl consult the written word, but desire instruction and advice from God' messengers, in the affairs of our souls. Ministers must exer themselves to the utmost for the conversion of sinners; and even amon those called Israelites, there are many to be turned from iniquity Those ministers, and those only, are likely to turn men from sin, wh preach sound doctrine, and live holy lives according to the Scripture Many departed from this way; thus they misled the people. Such as wal with God in peace and righteousness, and turn others from sin, honou God; he will honour them, while those who despise him shall be lightl esteemed.
Original Hebrew אם518 לא3808 תשׁמעו8085 ואם518 לא3808 תשׂימו7760 על5921 לב3820 לתת5414 כבוד3519 לשׁמי8034 אמר559 יהוה3068 צבאות6635 ושׁלחתי7971 בכם את853 המארה3994 וארותי779 את853 ברכותיכם1293 וגם1571 ארותיה779 כי3588 אינכם369 שׂמים7760 על5921 לב׃3820
