In our final studies in this section (2:1-10) please note: HOW DREADFULLY THE PRIESTS HAD FAILED IN MALACHI'S DAY. "But ye are departed out of the way" Malachi 2:8. 1. They had walked with God, now they departed. 2. They had deceived others. " . . . ye have caused many to stumble at the law." 3. They violated the whole intent and purpose of God. Hophni and Phinehas, 1 Sam 2:17. THE PRICE THAT MUST BE PAID FOR SUCH FOLLY " I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings . . . and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts; and one shall take you away with it," Malachi 2:2-3. See also verse 9. Our sin will be our ruin. 1. They who will not glorify God before men will be dishonoured by God before men. 1 Samuel 2:30. This is an inflexible rule. 2. His curse will come upon such. Deut 28:20. 3. Their blessings will become curses. What a blessing a man of God is to his nation. What a curse he becomes should he go astray! Instead of a sweet-smelling savour from their altars there will be the smell of dung. The gospel takes you from the dunghill, 1 Samuel 2:8; Psalm 113:7, but its rejection will deliver men to the dunghill of damnation. 1 Kings 14:10, 2 King 9:37. It is the fate of the Antichrist's forces, Psalm 83:9-18.