Malachi contains six questions and answers dealing with God's relationship with His people. The two questions in this section deal with God's unwillingness to accept the sacrifice of His people. First, they are criticized because their sacrifices are "defiled": the animals are blind and lame. Second, they are criticized because their priests are corrupt, leading people away from God instead of toward Him. Third, they are criticized because their lives are inconsistent with their sacrifices: they have married foreign women. God's refusal to accept faulty sacrifices is part of His mercy toward us. He is not satisfied with a "fake" relationship, but demands authenticity. Within his rejection of their sacrifices is a promise that He draws His people to Himself in real, authentic, relationship.