Deu 9:16, Mal 2:8-9 | JFB | STEP | 12-29. Arise, get thee down quickly from hence; for thy people . . . have corrupted themselves —With a view to humble them effectually, Moses proceeds to particularize some of the most atrocious instances of their infidelity. He begins with the impiety of the golden calf—an impiety which, while their miraculous emancipation from Egypt, the most stupendous displays of the Divine Majesty that were exhibited on the adjoining mount, and the recent ratification of the covenant by which they engaged to act as the people of God, were fresh in memory, indicated a degree of inconstancy or debasement almost incredible.

Deuteronomy 9:16

12-29. Arise, get thee down quickly from hence; for thy people . . . have corrupted themselves—With a view to humble them effectually, Moses proceeds to particularize some of the most atrocious instances of their infidelity. He begins with the impiety of the golden calf—an impiety which, while their miraculous emancipation from Egypt, the most stupendous displays of the Divine Majesty that were exhibited on the adjoining mount, and the recent ratification of the covenant by which they engaged to act as the people of God, were fresh in memory, indicated a degree of inconstancy or debasement almost incredible.

Malachi 2:8-9

8. out of the way—that is, from the covenant.

caused many to stumble—By scandalous example, the worse inasmuch as the people look up to you as ministers of religion (1Sa 2:17; Jer 18:15; Mt 18:6; Lu 17:1).

at the law—that is, in respect to the observances of the law.

corrupted . . . covenant—made it of none effect, by not fulfilling its conditions, and so forfeiting its promises (Zec 11:10; Ne 13:29).

9. Because ye do not keep the condition of the covenant, I will not fulfil the promise.

partial in the law—having respect to persons rather than to truth in the interpretation and administration of the law (Le 19:15).