Malachi 3

The Coming Messenger

1-4 I am sending the messenger you have expected, but who can stand before him? He will purify and refine the priesthood like a refiner’s fire.

5-7 Then I will judge sorcerers, adulterers, liars, those who oppress employees, widows, orphans and aliens. You should have perished before now, because for generations you have disobeyed Me. But if you return to me, I will return to you. “But you say, ‘How shall we return?’ This kind of question occurs often in the text. God tells them something, and they ask him questions, like “How have we wearied him?” in 2:17 and this one. I’ve been told this dialogue is much like a court of law. God presents His case against them, and they defend themselves. The Woman’s Study Bible calls it a series of dialogues, each one beginning with “Yet you say,” or something similar.

Do Not Rob God

8-12 You rob God by not offering Me your full tithes and offerings. Bring in the whole tithe and see if I will not bless you abundantly.

13-15 You have said that serving God is of no profit, for the arrogant are happy; they test God and are able to escape.

The Reward of the Faithful

16-18 The LORD has a book of remembrance of those who revere His name; on the day that He acts, you will see the difference between the righteous and the wicked.