1. And now, O priests, this command is to you.
2. If you will refuse to listen, and if you will refuse to take it to heart, so as to give glory to my name, says the Lord of hosts, I will send destitution upon you, and I will curse your blessings; yes, I will curse them. For you have not taken it to heart.
3. Behold, I will cast forth an arm to you, and I will scatter across your face the dung of your solemnities, and it will take you to itself.
4. And you will know that I sent you this commandment, so that my covenant might be with Levi, says the Lord of hosts.
5. My covenant was with him for life and peace. And I gave him fear, and he feared me, and he was afraid before the face of my name.
6. The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and integrity, and he turned away many from iniquity.
7. For the lips of the priests will keep knowledge, and they will request the law from his mouth, because he is an angel of the Lord of hosts.
8. But you have withdrawn from the way, and you have scandalized very many in the law. You have nullified the covenant of Levi, says the Lord of hosts.
9. Because of this, I also have made you contemptible and debased to all the people, just as you have not served my ways, and you have accepted a face in the law.