Midrash su Malachia 1:9

Another interpretation (of Ps. 77:11 [10]): THIS IS MY ENTREATY (rt.: HLT).⁵⁷So does R. Alexandri understand HLWTI, not as WEAKNESS. R. Alexandri said: All these things which came upon us happened because we did not entreat (rt.: HLH) the Holy One, and this word (ENTREATY) can only be a word for prayer. It is so used (in Mal. 1:9): AND NOW ENTREAT (rt.: HLT) THE FAVOR OF GOD! (Ps. 77:8 [7]:) WILL THE LORD FOREVER REJECT AND NEVER AGAIN BE FAVORABLE? In the past, when Moses was angry with Israel, the Holy One would placate him. Thus it is stated (in Exod. 33:11): <THE LORD WOULD SPEAK UNTO MOSES FACE TO FACE AS ONE SPEAKS UNTO HIS FRIEND. > THEN HE WOULD RETURN UNTO THE CAMP….