Matthew Poole and continuators on Malachi 1:6

6 ¶ A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master . If then I be a father , where is mine honour ? and if I be a master, where is my fear ? saith the LORD of hosts, unto you, O priests▪ that despise my name ? And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?

This is a practical principle engraven on the hearts of mankind, a Law which all own, a Truth written with a Sunbeam, and which is violated by none, but unnatural brutish men.

This if, no way doubts; but 'tis made a supposition grounded on a confest, antient, and peculiar Adoption and Redemption, by vertue whereof the seed of Iacob had God to their Father and Master; and this undisputed Relation if I be, &c. doth more piercingly affect the mind when 'tis demanded, where is your performance of duty, where the honour you give me?

The internal in high apprehensions and esteem with answerable affections, the external in dutiful behaviour and carriage, where the ready, ingenuous, and delightful obedience. &c.

Servants do fear their Masters, and this fear, though servile, yet is due to a Master, it is a quality suitting the Relation, and now where is either of them?

Had undutifulness, and irreverence been found among the ignorant people who knew not the Law, nor were in capacity of knowing me as you, it might have been a little excusable, yet a great sin: But you, O Priests, nearest of any to me, whose business is to know me, who live upon my Sacrifices, have me in a most peculiar manner your Portion, you have like Eli's Sons despised me your selves, and made others do so too.

Thought and spoke contemptibly of what is most venerable.

God, his Sacrifices, and Oblations, his Law, and Worship.

Proud and hardned, they dispute it with God and his Prophets.

Marginal references: Luk. 6.46.