Definition: And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth [it] with good will at your hand.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Malachi 2:13. It's a really important message about repentance and judgment. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that someone has been acting very wrong – perhaps they’ve been neglecting their faith, ignoring God’s word, or being disrespectful to the Lord. They’re not offering prayers or sacrifices with a sincere heart and are completely disregarding the value of what they're giving. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And this have ye done again…” : This is a gentle but firm accusation. It acknowledges that this behavior has been repeated. “…covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out…” : The "altar of the Lord" refers to God’s house – a place of worship and reverence. The word “tears” and “weeping” suggest deep sorrow and remorse. "Crying out" means expressing intense pain and regret. It's not just sadness; it’s a desperate, heartfelt plea for forgiveness. “…insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more…” : This is the key part. The person isn't really appreciating or valuing what they're giving. They've lost sight of its importance and are treating it as an afterthought. It’s like they’re looking at it with a vacant stare, devoid of respect. “…or receiveth [it] with good will at your hand” : This is the crucial part – not receiving it with good will. "Receiving" means accepting or acknowledging something. “With good will at your hand” means they’re not offering a genuine, heartfelt response of gratitude or respect. They're refusing to acknowledge God's gift. What does this mean in the bigger picture? Malachi is warning about a time of judgment – a period where people who have been rejecting God's grace will face serious consequences. This verse speaks to the idea that when we don’t show reverence and respect to God, He will ultimately judge us harshly. It’s not just about a missed offering; it's about rejecting the very foundation of our relationship with Him. In short: This is a call for repentance – acknowledging your wrongdoings, showing remorse, and returning to a relationship with God based on sincere faith and love. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Connect this verse to other parts of the Bible? Give some examples of how this principle applies to real-life situations?