Malachi 2:13

Amharic New Standard Translation (አማርኛ አዲሱ መደበኛ ትርጉም) 2005

እንዲህም ታደርጋላችሁ፦ እግዚአብሔር መሥዋዕታችሁን ስለማይቀበለው የእግዚአብሔርን መሠዊያ በእንባ፥ በለቅሶና በሐዘን ትሸፍናላችሁ።

What Does This Mean?

The verse says that the people have caused God to turn away from their offerings because they have been crying and weeping over their broken marriages. This is a message from God, conveyed through Malachi, telling them that their actions are not pleasing to Him.

Explained for Children

Imagine if you gave your mom a present with tears in your eyes because you were fighting with your brother earlier. She wouldn’t enjoy the gift as much. Similarly, God doesn't like it when people bring gifts while they're upset about breaking rules He set for marriage.

Historical Background

Malachi wrote this around 430 BC to the Jewish community that returned from Babylonian exile in Persia. They were facing religious and moral decay, including divorcing their spouses without cause and marrying non-Jewish women.

Living It Out Today

In modern life, if you're going through a tough time with your partner but still try to worship God halfheartedly, it's like giving a gift while feeling sad about breaking His rules. It’s better to seek reconciliation and then approach God wholeheartedly in worship.

Topics

• marriage
• worship
• reconciliation
• divorce
• brokenness
• God's will

Related Verses

• Malachi 2:16
• Deuteronomy 24:1-4
• Matthew 5:31-32
• Ezekiel 18:21-22
• Romans 7:14

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the people cover the altar with tears?

The people were mourning the state of their marriages, which had become a source of pain and sorrow. They felt remorse but in a way that wasn't pleasing to God.

Does this verse apply only to divorce or broader marital issues?

While it mentions divorce specifically, the principle extends to any brokenness within marriage that causes distress and disunity with God.

How can one ensure their offerings are accepted by God?

Ensuring your heart is right before offering anything spiritual. This means seeking forgiveness for wrongs and striving to live according to God's will, as He has revealed it in the Bible.

What actions should one take after realizing they have caused God to turn away?

One should seek genuine repentance, reconciliation with those affected, and a renewed commitment to living by faith. This includes seeking guidance from Scripture and community support.