7 The lips of the priest should guard knowledge;everyone should seek Instruction from his mouth,for he is the messenger from the Lord of heavenly forces.
8 But you have turned from the path.You have caused many to stumble by your instruction.You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,says the Lord of heavenly forces.
9 Moreover, I have made you despised and humiliated in the view of all the people,since none of you keep my waysor show respect for Instruction.
10 Isn’t there one father for all of us,one God who created us?Why does everyone cheat each other to make the covenant of our ancestors impure?
11 Judah cheated—a detestable thing was done in Israel and Jerusalem.Judah made the Lord’s holy place impure, which God loved,and married the daughter of a foreign god.
12 May the Lord eliminate anyone who does so from the tents of Jacob,anyone awaking, testifying,and making an offering to the Lord of heavenly forces.
13 You should do this as well:cover the altar of the Lord with tears, weeping, and groaningbecause there is still no divine favor for your offering or favorable regardfor anything from your hand.