Malachi 1

Malachi begins by affirming God's special, enduring love for Israel by declaring, "I have loved Jacob, but Esau I have hated," referencing God's choice of nations. Malachi then directs his prophecy against the priests and the people who dishonor God by offering corrupted sacrifices (sick, lame, or stolen animals) in the rebuilt temple. He warns the priests that if they do not start honoring His name, God will curse their blessings and defile their faces with the dung of their sacrifices.