1. Malachi 1:10 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why would the Lord prefer no sacrifices over illegitimate sacrifices?

Malachi 1:10 (ESV)

10 Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, says the LORD of hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hand.

The illegitimate sacrifices offered were tainted with the foul smell of hypocrisy, which is particularly offensive to God. Pretending to worship God, those who offered blemished sacrifices insulted God by their lack of esteem for God. Their actions could be likened to a husband giving his wife wilted flowers picked out of a trash can. She would prefer no flowers, rather than be insulted openly by such an ignoble gift. Similarly, God would prefer no sacrifices than blemished sacrifices.