John Calvin Commentary Malachi 2:8

"But ye are turned aside out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble in the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith Jehovah of hosts." — Malachi 2:8 (ASV)

He shows here how far the priests of his time were from fulfilling that compact which he had mentioned. He therefore concludes that they were unworthy of the honor of which they were so confidently proud, and under the shadow of which they sought to cover their vices, as if they were not bound to God and were free to tread the Church underfoot with impunity. He then shows that it was an extremely foolish arrogance in them to seek to be exempt from all law, and yet to regard God and the whole Church as bound to them.

He says first, that they deviated from the way; that is, they exhibited nothing suitable to their office, for which reason they were counted priests. He then amplifies their guilt—that they made many to stumble in the law. He had previously said that Levi walked in peace and uprightness; what he now says is very different—that the priests, forgetting religion, had first shaken off the yoke. He had said that Levi restored many from iniquity; but he now says that the priests made many to stumble.

He adds in the last place—You have therefore corrupted the covenant. A word indicating an inference should be understood here, for the sentence should be explained in this way: “As you have deviated from the way and perverted the whole worship of God, you have thus violated the compact which had been sanctioned with Levi; you then have no reason to boast of your title of honor, for succession failed when you fell away from the faithfulness of your father Levi.” At length.