Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.
But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:
And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.
Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years.
And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the Lord of hosts.
For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.
And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.
Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee?
Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts?
And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.
Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
Malachi 3 is a pivotal chapter in the book of Malachi, delivering a powerful message about God's impending judgment and a renewed call to faithfulness for the people of Israel. The name Malachi, meaning "My Messenger," is fitting, as the prophet acts as God's direct voice, confronting Israel's spiritual apathy and calling them back to covenant obedience. This chapter, nestled within Malachi's broader prophecy, is crucial for understanding God's character, His expectations for His people, and His ultimate plan for redemption.
The Messenger and the Lord (Malachi 3:1)
Malachi 3:1 opens with a dramatic declaration: "I am going to send my messenger, and he will clear the way before me. Then the LORD you seek will suddenly come to his temple." This verse speaks of two distinct figures. The "messenger" is widely understood to be John the Baptist, as affirmed in Mark 1:2, who prepared the way for Jesus by calling people to repentance. John's ministry was a critical step in preparing the hearts of the people to receive the Messiah. The second figure, "the LORD you seek," is none other than God Himself, who will suddenly appear in His temple. This speaks of the Messiah's arrival, not just as a messenger, but as God incarnate, coming to His own house. The clearing of the way signifies the removal of obstacles – pride, hypocrisy, and spiritual complacency – so that God's glory can be revealed.
The Refiner's Fire (Malachi 3:2-5)
The arrival of the Lord is not presented as a comfortable event for everyone. Malachi 3:2-5 asks, "But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire." This imagery emphasizes the purifying nature of God's judgment. Just as a refiner uses intense heat to burn away impurities from precious metals like gold and silver (Malachi 3:3), so too will God refine His people, removing what doesn't belong so they can receive his covenantal benefits. This refining process, though painful, is necessary for spiritual cleansing and restoration. The author of Hebrews echoes this sentiment, reminding us that God disciplines his children for their good (Hebrews 12:3-11). Malachi 3:5 further specifies that the Lord will come in judgment against those who practice injustice and oppression, highlighting the importance of righteous living alongside religious observance.
God's Unchanging Faithfulness (Malachi 3:6)
In the midst of warnings of judgment, Malachi 3:6 offers a crucial reminder of God's character: "For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed." This verse underscores the immutability of God – His unchanging nature and faithfulness. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God's covenant love has preserved them from complete destruction. God's consistency is a source of hope and stability. He is "compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth" (Exodus 34:6). This unchanging character is the foundation upon which we can trust in His promises and seek His mercy.
The Sin of Robbing God (Malachi 3:7-12)
The prophecy then turns to a specific indictment: Israel's failure to tithe and offer sacrifices (Malachi 3:7-8). God accuses them of "robbing" Him by withholding what rightfully belongs to Him. The Lord offers hope: "Return to me, and I will return to you" (Malachi 3:7). But, the proof is in the pudding. Genuine repentance is known by its fruit. So, what must they do? He asks them, "Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing me! How? By not making the payments of the tenth and the contributions" (Malachi 3:8). Tithing, the practice of giving a tenth of one's income to God (Leviticus 27:30, 32; Numbers 18:21-24; Deuteronomy 12:6; 14:22-23), was a tangible expression of acknowledging God's sovereignty, expressing gratitude for His provision, and demonstrating faith in His continued blessings.
Malachi 3:9-12 presents a challenge: "Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." This is not a blanket promise of material wealth, as misused by some proponents of the "prosperity gospel." Rather, it is an invitation to experience the fullness of God's blessing – experiencing, enjoying, and extending the goodness of God in your life. God has already blessed believers in Jesus Christ with every spiritual blessing (see Ephesians 1:3). But, to access those blessings, he calls us to come under the cover of his covenant. He calls us to align ourselves with his kingdom agenda. When we do, we’ll realize that what we already have is worth far more than anything we’ve been withholding (stealing) from the collection plate. Then, unbelievers will take notice and consider us fortunate (3:12), because it will be obvious that God is with us.
Reverence Versus Empty Ritual (Malachi 3:13-18)
Malachi contrasts those who take God seriously with those who treat Him casually. The first group complains that serving God is useless (Malachi 3:13-15), believing that the wicked prosper while they gain nothing from their religious activity. The problem is that they are fulfilling religious duty with no concern for a relationship. In a sense, they just want to come to church and get their cut. But the vital principle of covenant is relationship. The way to unlock the door to a new level of experience with God is to pursue a relationship with him—to pursue him for who he is, not just for what we want him to give us.
In contrast, Malachi 3:16-18 describes those who "feared the LORD." The LORD took notice and listened (3:16). And how does he respond to their faith? He says, "They will be mine . . . my own possession . . . I will have compassion on them" (Malachi 3:17). This reverence is not mere fear, but a deep respect and awe that leads to obedience and a genuine relationship with God. Ultimately, the difference between those who serve God and those who do not will be evident to all (Malachi 3:18).
Malachi 3 serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of faithfulness, sincerity, and reverence in our relationship with God. It challenges us to examine our hearts, to ensure that our actions align with our words, and to seek a genuine relationship with the One who loves us unconditionally. As we await the coming of the Lord, may we be found faithful, refined by His grace, and living in the fullness of His blessing.
Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.
But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:
And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.
Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years.
And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the Lord of hosts.
For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.
And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.
Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee?
Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts?
And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.
Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
Malachi 3 is a pivotal chapter in the book of Malachi, delivering a powerful message about God's impending judgment and a renewed call to faithfulness for the people of Israel. The name Malachi, meaning "My Messenger," is fitting, as the prophet acts as God's direct voice, confronting Israel's spiritual apathy and calling them back to covenant obedience. This chapter, nestled within Malachi's broader prophecy, is crucial for understanding God's character, His expectations for His people, and His ultimate plan for redemption.
The Messenger and the Lord (Malachi 3:1)
Malachi 3:1 opens with a dramatic declaration: "I am going to send my messenger, and he will clear the way before me. Then the LORD you seek will suddenly come to his temple." This verse speaks of two distinct figures. The "messenger" is widely understood to be John the Baptist, as affirmed in Mark 1:2, who prepared the way for Jesus by calling people to repentance. John's ministry was a critical step in preparing the hearts of the people to receive the Messiah. The second figure, "the LORD you seek," is none other than God Himself, who will suddenly appear in His temple. This speaks of the Messiah's arrival, not just as a messenger, but as God incarnate, coming to His own house. The clearing of the way signifies the removal of obstacles – pride, hypocrisy, and spiritual complacency – so that God's glory can be revealed.
The Refiner's Fire (Malachi 3:2-5)
The arrival of the Lord is not presented as a comfortable event for everyone. Malachi 3:2-5 asks, "But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire." This imagery emphasizes the purifying nature of God's judgment. Just as a refiner uses intense heat to burn away impurities from precious metals like gold and silver (Malachi 3:3), so too will God refine His people, removing what doesn't belong so they can receive his covenantal benefits. This refining process, though painful, is necessary for spiritual cleansing and restoration. The author of Hebrews echoes this sentiment, reminding us that God disciplines his children for their good (Hebrews 12:3-11). Malachi 3:5 further specifies that the Lord will come in judgment against those who practice injustice and oppression, highlighting the importance of righteous living alongside religious observance.
God's Unchanging Faithfulness (Malachi 3:6)
In the midst of warnings of judgment, Malachi 3:6 offers a crucial reminder of God's character: "For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed." This verse underscores the immutability of God – His unchanging nature and faithfulness. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God's covenant love has preserved them from complete destruction. God's consistency is a source of hope and stability. He is "compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth" (Exodus 34:6). This unchanging character is the foundation upon which we can trust in His promises and seek His mercy.
The Sin of Robbing God (Malachi 3:7-12)
The prophecy then turns to a specific indictment: Israel's failure to tithe and offer sacrifices (Malachi 3:7-8). God accuses them of "robbing" Him by withholding what rightfully belongs to Him. The Lord offers hope: "Return to me, and I will return to you" (Malachi 3:7). But, the proof is in the pudding. Genuine repentance is known by its fruit. So, what must they do? He asks them, "Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing me! How? By not making the payments of the tenth and the contributions" (Malachi 3:8). Tithing, the practice of giving a tenth of one's income to God (Leviticus 27:30, 32; Numbers 18:21-24; Deuteronomy 12:6; 14:22-23), was a tangible expression of acknowledging God's sovereignty, expressing gratitude for His provision, and demonstrating faith in His continued blessings.
Malachi 3:9-12 presents a challenge: "Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." This is not a blanket promise of material wealth, as misused by some proponents of the "prosperity gospel." Rather, it is an invitation to experience the fullness of God's blessing – experiencing, enjoying, and extending the goodness of God in your life. God has already blessed believers in Jesus Christ with every spiritual blessing (see Ephesians 1:3). But, to access those blessings, he calls us to come under the cover of his covenant. He calls us to align ourselves with his kingdom agenda. When we do, we’ll realize that what we already have is worth far more than anything we’ve been withholding (stealing) from the collection plate. Then, unbelievers will take notice and consider us fortunate (3:12), because it will be obvious that God is with us.
Reverence Versus Empty Ritual (Malachi 3:13-18)
Malachi contrasts those who take God seriously with those who treat Him casually. The first group complains that serving God is useless (Malachi 3:13-15), believing that the wicked prosper while they gain nothing from their religious activity. The problem is that they are fulfilling religious duty with no concern for a relationship. In a sense, they just want to come to church and get their cut. But the vital principle of covenant is relationship. The way to unlock the door to a new level of experience with God is to pursue a relationship with him—to pursue him for who he is, not just for what we want him to give us.
In contrast, Malachi 3:16-18 describes those who "feared the LORD." The LORD took notice and listened (3:16). And how does he respond to their faith? He says, "They will be mine . . . my own possession . . . I will have compassion on them" (Malachi 3:17). This reverence is not mere fear, but a deep respect and awe that leads to obedience and a genuine relationship with God. Ultimately, the difference between those who serve God and those who do not will be evident to all (Malachi 3:18).
Malachi 3 serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of faithfulness, sincerity, and reverence in our relationship with God. It challenges us to examine our hearts, to ensure that our actions align with our words, and to seek a genuine relationship with the One who loves us unconditionally. As we await the coming of the Lord, may we be found faithful, refined by His grace, and living in the fullness of His blessing.