1:6–2:9 A major reason for the Lord’s anger with Israel is the priesthood’s attitude toward God’s name at the altar and toward God’s law in teaching and judging. At the altar they offered diseased or imperfect animals in sacrifice, thereby reversing the intent of their labors and bringing curse and defilement where they should have brought blessing and cleansing. In their teaching and judging they violated the covenant with Levi (2:8), showing partiality and causing many to stumble.