1. Malachi 1:11 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does the reference to "a pure offering" stand in contrast to?

Malachi 1:11 (ESV)

11 For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the LORD of hosts.

The reference to a pure offering stands in contrast to the impure sacrifices offered on the altar in Malachi’s day, and to the impure hearts and minds of the people offering these sacrifices. In contrast to the unacceptable worship offered by the Jews in Malachi’s day, the time was coming when people from all nations would worship God by offering pure sacrifices—not the sacrifice of bulls and goats, for these would cease to be offered once the perfect sacrifice was offered by the Lord Jesus Christ. Men and women, boys and girls of all nations would offer their hearts and their lives to God as living sacrifices acceptable to God. They would offer the sacrifice of a broken spirit and a contrite heart—sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving­.