The prophet's aim was clearly to encourage his despondent people, to show them the deeper meaning of their present afflictions, to open their eyes to Jehovah's gracious purpose, to give to the entire race a goal for which to live and strive, and, above all, to arouse them to effective action. Doubtless the prophet thought only of the problems of the men of his day, but in his interpretation of Jehovah's worldwide purpose and in the faith and devotion which his words inspire he gave to all mankind a universal, undying message. Section XCVII. CONDITIONS AND PROBLEMS WITHIN THE JUDEAN COMMUNITY [Sidenote: Mal. 1:6-9] A son honoreth his father, and a servant feareth his master; If then I am a father, where is mine honor? And if I am a master, where is the one who fears me? Saith Jehovah to you, O ye priests, who despise my name. But ye say, 'Wherein have we despised thy name?' Ye offer upon mine altar bread that is polluted And ye say, 'Wherein have we polluted it?' In that ye say, 'The table of Jehovah is contemptible.' And that when ye offer the blind for sacrifice, 'It is no harm!' And that when ye offer the lame and the sick, 'It is no harm!' Present it now to thy governor; will he be pleased with it? Or will he receive thee favorably? saith Jehovah of hosts. And now entreat the favor of God with such an offering, that he may be gracious to us, Would I receive any of you favorably? saith Jehovah of hosts. [Sidenote: Mal. 1:10, 11] O that there were those among you who would shut the doors, That ye might not kindle fire on mine altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, saith Jehovah of hosts, Neither will I accept an offering at your hand. For from the rising of the sun even to its setting my name is sacred among the nations, And in every place they offer to my name a pure offering; For my name is great among the nations, saith Jehovah of hosts. [Sidenote: Mal. 1:12, 14] 'The table of Jehovah is polluted, and its food is contemptible.' Ye say also, 'Behold what a weariness is it!' and ye have scorned me; And ye have brought the blind, the lame and the sick. Should I accept this at your hand? saith Jehovah of hosts. But cursed be the deceiver, who has in his flock a male, And vows, and sacrifices to the Lord a blemished thing; For I am a great King, and my name is feared among the nations. [Sidenote: Mal. 2:1-4] And now, O ye priests, this command is for you. If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, To give glory to my name, saith Jehovah of hosts, Then I will send the curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings; Behold, I will cut off your arm, And will spread offal upon your faces, even the offal of your feasts, And ye shall know that I have sent this command to you, That my covenant with Levi may be preserved, saith Jehovah of hosts.