The prophetic selection for Parashat Toldot is from the Book of Malachi, chapters 1-2. Malachi is the last of the Hebrew prophets. The prophetic message begins with G-d's love for Jacob. Therefore, it is seen as an appropriate reading for this Shabbat.

The prophet expresses his anger against the corruption of the sacrificial system. The priests have offered polluted bread upon the altar. Sacrifices have been taken through theft. Malachi is furious with the hypocrisy of religious life.

Malachi shares a vision of idealized religious life. The Levites will practice truth in word and deed. "The Torah of truth was in his mouth, and unrighteousness was not found in his lips." Malachi seeks a religion of purity and sincerity.