Malachi 3:1-5

JEHOVAH’S APPROACH IN JUDGMENT, Malachi 2:17 to Malachi 3:5.

In Malachi 2:17, the prophet introduces to the reader a new class of thinkers in the postexilic community, the skeptics, who have lost faith in Jehovah and in his word, because the sinful prospered while the good suffered. From these inequalities they concluded that Jehovah was taking no interest in the affairs of the nation and doubted that he would ever appear in judgment to right the wrongs (Malachi 2:17). To this complaint Jehovah replies that he will suddenly appear, preceded by a messenger who will prepare his way (Malachi 3:1); his coming will be terrible to all who have departed from the right, for he will come like a refiner’s fire to burn up the dross (Malachi 3:2). The priests he will purify, so that they may again offer sacrifices in “righteousness” (Malachi 3:3-4); and from the nation at large he will sweep away everything that is contrary to his will (Malachi 3:5).