Matthew Poole and continuators on Malachi 2:11

11 ¶ Judah hath dealt treacherously , and an abomination is committed in Israel , and in Jerusalem : for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved , and hath married the daughter of a strange God .

Though Iudah onely is named, yet the rest of the returned Captives are included.

Vid. verse 10. letter f.

Such treachery is a very abominable thing, God and all good men abhorre it, and yet here 'tis committed.

Who are Gods peculiar people and above others should have been holy.

Under the eye of the Governours the High Priest and Sanhedrim, nay under the eye of God who dwelt at Ierusalem, this could not but greatly provoke God.

Profanely violated the necessary cautionary Law of Marriage confining Israel to marry within themselves, and not to endanger themselves, and Religion by joining affinity with Idolaters, who would draw them, and their Children from the Holy Law, Worship, and Temple of God, which are the holiness that he loved.

Which he. i. e. Iedah once loved, so 'twas Apostacy in Iudah. Or which he i. e. the Lord loved above all, so 'tis a neglect of a main duty, 'tis slighting what God so greatly loved.

Ezra 9.1. and 10.2. mentions what Nations they were whose Daughters were by these Jews taken for Wives, they were Idolatrous Nations, and the Women were Idolatresses when the Jews did marry them. This was bad, but these Jews had Wives before, and they cast them off. Or else took in these strangers and despised their former Wives, this is the treachery and abomination that is here committed.

Marginal references: Or, [illegible: 1 span].; [illegible: 1 paragraph]