CHAPTER 1

1. a. They were not offering their best to God. They used blemished animals for the sacrificies and did not regard the Lord's table with respect. b. When we do not give our best through talent, skill, and effort against sin and in projecting God in our lives.
2. God's name is to be highly regarded with much honor. They were not honoring Him with contemptible sacrifices.

1. a. The priests were the messenger for God. b. Knowledge of God and the law should be in him for the people.
2. They had departed from the law and had caused people to fall into sin.
3. They had fallen first to the ways of the other nations and their gods. Then, they fell to the sin of divorcing their wives.
4. The covenant of God's commandments with Israel.
5. They said God was not just because the wicked were treated good in the sight of God.

1. John the Baptist was the messenger.
2. Jesus was the Lord or king or ruler whom they waited on to save them from their enemies.
3. The priests corrupted the sacrifices by the blemished offerings and they held back for their own use many of the offerings.
4. Those who fear the Lord and knew He would be just against the evil doers in due time.

1. Through the gospels we learn that it was John the Baptist who came in the spirit of Elijah. (Matt. 11:14).
2. Before the end of time when God will judge all people, the spirit of Elijah will come to prepare the people for salvation. John the Baptist came first to prepare the way for the messenger of the covenant -  Jesus.