Charles Ellicott Commentary Malachi 1:9

"And now, I pray you, entreat the favor of God, that he may be gracious unto us: this hath been by your means: will he accept any of your persons? saith Jehovah of hosts." — Malachi 1:9 (ASV)

This verse is severely ironical. The word "God" is expressly used, rather than "the Lord," as a contrast to the human "governor" mentioned above. The meaning is: "You know you dare not treat your human governor so contemptuously; what hope then is there of such disrespectful conduct finding favor with God—the Judge of all the earth?"

That he will be gracious. —These words refer, perhaps, to the wording of the sacerdotal benediction (Numbers 6:24).

To us. —The prophet includes himself with the people, as Moses did (Exodus 34:9): And pardon our iniquity and our sin; and as, in fact, God Himself included Moses (Exodus 16:28): And the Lord said to Moses, How long do you refuse to keep my commandments?

This has been by your means. —Better, by your means has this been. "By your means" is emphatic by position. The meaning is: "By means of you (priests), who ought to have directed the people rightly, has this disgraceful conduct been caused." Or, perhaps, in view of Malachi 1:8, and the wording of Malachi 1:10, we should render the words as follows: "From your hands is this [despicable offering]!" This being used contemptuously like the Latin istud. In either case, the clause is parenthetical, so that "will he regard" must be taken in close connection with the preceding, "beseech God that he will be gracious to us."

Will he regard your persons? —Better, will he, on your account, show favor to any one? That is, can you be deemed worthy intercessors, when these are the actions you perform? The question is, of course, a practical negation. .