Book of Malachi - Chapter 1 - Verse 10

This verse from the book of Malachi in the Old Testament serves as a warning from the Lord of hosts to the people of Israel. The verse emphasizes the importance of offering sacrifices and worship with sincere hearts and intentions. The Lord condemns those who go through the motions of religious rituals without true devotion or reverence. By shutting the doors or kindling fires on the altar without faith and sincerity, the people are essentially offering sacrifices "for nought" or in vain. The Lord expresses his displeasure with the insincere actions of the people and declares that he will not accept offerings made without genuine reverence and faith. This verse serves as a reminder to believers to approach their worship and offerings with sincerity and devotion, knowing that the Lord desires true worship from the heart. It highlights the importance of genuine faith and devotion in the eyes of the Lord.

In this verse, the prophet Malachi is admonishing the priests and people of Israel for offering insincere sacrifices to God. The words "shut the doors for nought" and "kindle fire on mine altar for nought" imply that the people were going through the motions of worship without truly honoring God in their hearts. The word 'nought' means without a valid reason or purpose, suggesting that their actions were empty and devoid of true devotion to God. The lack of sincerity in their worship displeased the Lord, and He declares that He has no pleasure in them. The phrase "neither will I accept an offering at your hand" further emphasizes God's rejection of their insincere sacrifices. This verse serves as a reminder that true worship must come from a place of genuine love and reverence for God, rather than mere ritual or tradition.