Charles Ellicott Commentary Malachi 2:9

"Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have had respect of persons in the law." — Malachi 2:9 (ASV)

Therefore. —I am no longer bound by the covenant I made with the tribe of Levi, and, instead of “life and peace,” I give you contempt, etc.

In the law — i.e., in the administration of justice. The authority of the priests, Levites, and of the judges of the day, in all matters ceremonial and civil, is expressly inculcated by Deuteronomy 17:8-13. It was in accordance with this passage that our Lord said (Matthew 23:2): “The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat; all, therefore, whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do,” etc.