1
Now, you priests, this commandment is for you.
2
If you will not hear, and if you will not lay it to heart, to give glory to my name, says Yahweh of Hosts, then will I send the curse on you, and I will curse your blessings; yes, I have cursed them already, because you do not lay it to heart.
3
Behold, I will rebuke your seed, and will spread dung on your faces, even the dung of your feasts; and you shall be taken away with it.
4
You shall know that I have sent this commandment to you, that my covenant may be with Levi, says Yahweh of Hosts.
5
My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him who he might fear; and he feared me, and stood in awe of my name.
6
The law of truth was in his mouth, and unrighteousness was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many away from iniquity.
7
For the priest`s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of Yahweh of Hosts.
8
But you are turned aside out of the way; you have caused many to stumble in the law; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says Yahweh of Hosts.
9
Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as you have not kept my ways, but have had respect of persons in the law.