John Gill Commentary Malachi 2:7

John Gill Commentary

Malachi 2:7

1697–1771
Reformed Baptist
John Gill
John Gill

John Gill Commentary

Malachi 2:7

1697–1771
Reformed Baptist
SCRIPTURE

"For the priest`s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of Jehovah of hosts." — Malachi 2:7 (ASV)

For the priest's lips should keep knowledge
Or "shall keep knowledge", as the Septuagint and Vulgate Latin versions; or "do keep knowledge", as the Arabic version; and so the Syriac version, "for the lips of the priest drop knowledge"; all this is true of Christ our great High Priest; for as it was predicted of him, that his lips should keep knowledge, so they have kept it, and do keep it; not concealing it, but preserving it, and communicating it freely and openly; as he did to his disciples and followers when here on earth, and by them to others; and still does by his Spirit, giving to men the knowledge of themselves and state; the knowledge of himself, and the way of salvation by him, and of the truths of the Gospel.

and they should seek the law at his mouth ;
not the law of Moses, but the doctrine of grace, and any wholesome instruction and advice; which he is greatly qualified to give, being the wonderful Counsellor: it may be rendered, "they shall seek", or "do seek"; and which has been fulfilled, especially in the Gentiles, and in the isles that waited for his law or doctrine, (Isaiah 11:10) (42:4) :

for he [is] the messenger of the Lord of hosts ;
or "angel" F23 ; he is the Angel of God's presence, and of the covenant, (Isaiah 63:9) (Malachi 3:1) which name he has from being sent, for he came not of himself, but his Father sent him; he was sent as a priest to atone for the sins of his people, and to be their Saviour; and as a prophet, to instruct and teach them; and therefore they should seek to him for knowledge, and attend his word and ordinances, and implore his spirit and grace.


FOOTNOTES:

  • F23: Kalm ) (aggelov) , Sept; "angelus", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus, Junius & Tremellius, Cocceius, Burkius.