Bible Commentaries
Malachi 3

Verse 1

Behold, I will send, &c. = Behold Me sending, &c. Quoted in Matthew 11:10 . Mark 1:2 .Luke 1:76 ; Luke 7:27 . Not to that then present generation, but to the "generation" of our Lord's day. See note on Matthew 11:18 . This is the answer to the question "Where? "in Malachi 2:17 .

My messenger . John the Baptist (Matthew 3:3 ; Matthew 3:11 , Matthew 3:10 . Mark 1:2 , Mark 1:3 .Luke 1:76 ; Luke 3:4 ; Luke 7:26 , Luke 7:27 , John 1:23 ). Compare Matthew 22:2 , Matthew 22:3 .Isaiah 40:3-5 .

prepare . By removing obstacles from the way. Compare Isaiah 40:3 ; Isaiah 62:10 .

the Lord. Hebrew. ha-Adon . App-4 . This refers to Messiah. Ref to Pentateuch (Exodus 23:20 Exodus 33:14 , Exodus 33:16 ). App-92 .

suddenly = unexpectedly.

behold Figure of speech Asterismos ( App-6 ), for emphasis.

said = hath said.

the Lord of hosts. See note on Malachi 1:4 .

Verse 2

who may abide. ? Compare Joel 2:11 . Figure.

abide = endure

soap = lye; as in Job 9:30 , i.e. water mixed with the ashes of certain plants containing alkali. Compare Mark 9:3 .

Verse 3

He shall purify. Judgment begins at the house of God. See 1 Peter 4:17 .

offer = bring near.

offering = a gift offering. Hebrew. minchah . Not the same word as in Malachi 3:8 .

Verse 4

Then. When Jehovah shall have sent His messenger (Messiah), and He is accepted.

Verse 5

I will be, &c. Compare Micah 1:2 .

the sorcerers . Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 22:18 . Deuteronomy 18:10 ).

adulterers. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 20:14 .Leviticus 20:10; Leviticus 20:10 ).

oppress, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 22:21 .Deuteronomy 24:14; Deuteronomy 24:14 ) App-92 .

fear = revere.

Verse 6

For I change not . Reference to Pent (Numbers 23:19 ) App-92 . Not in Himself, nor in His purpose, to change His dealings on the conditions stated.

Verse 7

ordinances = statutes. Hebrew, hok . Referring to particular ritual observances. Not the same word as in Malachi 3:14 .

Verse 8

man . Hebrew 'adam. App-14 .

rob = defraud. A rare word. Occurs only here, in Malachi 3:8 , Malachi 3:9 ; and Proverbs 22:23 .

God . Hebrew. Elohim . App-4 .

have robbed = are defrauding.

tithes. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 27:30-33 .Numbers 18:21-32 .Deuteronomy 12:17 , &c.; Mal 14:22-29 ). App-92 .

offerings = heave offerings. Literally, in the tithe and the heave offering. Hebrew. trumah. App-43 . Not the same word as in verses: Malachi 3:3 , Malachi 3:4 , Malachi 3:10 , Malachi 1:11 , Malachi 1:13 ; Malachi 2:12 , Malachi 2:13 .

Verse 9

are cursed with a curse. The primitive text read, "ye have cursed Me with a curse". The Sopherlm say ( App-33 ) that they altered the letter, (Mem = M) into; (Nun = N), thus making it passive instead of active, and detaching it from the rest of the sentence. This was done to avoid a supposed irreverence.

this whole nation = the nation, the whole of it.

Verse 10

all = the whole; implying that a part had been withheld.

meat prey: i.e. animals for sacrifice. Not put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6 , for food; but put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Species), App-6 , for sacrificial animals.

open you the windows, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Genesis 7:11 ; Genesis 8:2 ). App-92 .

pour you out = empty you oat.

Verse 11

the devourer = the eater: i.e. the locust. Compare Joel 1:4 .Amos 4:9 .

for your sakes = for you (the Dative of Reference),

Verse 12

a delightsome land. Compare Isaiah 62:4 .Daniel 8:9 .

Verse 13

stout = hard, or bold.

Verse 14

ordiance = charge. Hebrew. mizvah . Not the same word as in Malachi 3:7 . Referring to general religious duties.

walked mournfully before = gone off mournfully from the presence of Jehovah of hosts.

Verse 15

And now. Compare Malachi 1:9 , Malachi 2:1 .

are set up = prosper, or are successful. Lit are built up. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6 , for being prospered. Compare Job 22:23 .Jeremiah 12:16 .

yea = yea, [they, proud ones]. Marking a climax.

tempt = have tempted. Same as "prove" in Malachi 3:10 ; but here in a bad sense, as though to challenge or to put to the proof.

Verse 16

Then: i.e. when Malachi had spoken thus unto them, at a time of such apostasy, show us what is possible and practicable in these like days and "perilous times" which are closing this present Dispensation.

feared = revered.

spake. As in Malachi 3:13 .

one to another. Each one with his friend.

and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton , App-6 .

hearkened, and heard. As He heard the groaning of Israel (Exodus 2:23 , Exodus 2:24 ); Moses, without words (Exodus 14:15 ); and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:4 ); Hannah, without words (1 Samuel 1:13 ); Jeremiah, his breathing (Lamentations 3:55 , Lamentations 3:56 ); Jonah, when dying (Jonah 2:2 ); the disciples, their thoughts (Luke 24:15 , Luke 24:38 ).

and a book of remembrance. Some codices, with Syriac, read "a record was written in a book of remembrance". remembrance. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 28:29 . Numbers 10:10 , the same word). App-92 .

thought. Precious comfort for those now who cannot speak. We can walk with God (like Enoch, in the darkest days), and think of Him with these God-reverers now, in these similar days.

Verse 17

I make up, &c = I am preparing.

My jewels = A peculiar treasure.