Malachi 3:8-11

8. The reply is in the form of a question.

Will a man rob God? A better translation of the first two clauses would be, “Will a man rob God, that you rob me?” (Compare Amos 6:12.) A question of astonishment that anyone should think of such a preposterous thing; and yet they have done it and are still doing it. The verb is unquestionably used in the sense of “defraud” they do not pay their just dues; but there seems to be insufficient reason for substituting a different verb in Hebrew. Again an attempt is made to combat the prophet, and again he meets the objection.

In tithes and offerings These they have withheld, and by doing so they have defrauded Jehovah. The last word means literally peace offering (compare Ezekiel 44:30; Nehemiah 10:39), which belongs to the priests (Ezekiel 44:30); here it includes every offering due to Jehovah. How they are defrauding him is stated in Malachi 1:6-14. The regulation of the tithes is found in Deuteronomy 14:22 ff.; Leviticus 27:30 ff.; Numbers 18:21 ff. (compare Amos 4:4); they also went to those ministering in the sanctuaries. Some portion they may have given, but not the proper percentage (compare Acts 5:1 ff.). 9.

You are cursed with a curse Jehovah has already shown his displeasure, and still they continue in the evil ways. Wherein the curse consisted is not stated, but Malachi 3:10-12 imply that it came in the form of drought, poor harvests, and perhaps a plague of locusts. The curse has fallen upon the whole nation, because the whole nation has defrauded him.

In Malachi 3:10 the prophet returns to the question asked in Malachi 3:7; he informs his hearers wherein they should return.

Bring ye all the tithes R.V., “the whole tithe.” The emphasis is upon whole; fraud is to cease, and they are to bring to Jehovah his full share.

Storehouse Connected with the temple and built for the purpose of receiving gifts of this sort (Compare 2 Chronicles 31:11-12; Nehemiah 10:38-39).

Meat R.V., “food”; both for Jehovah (see on Malachi 1:7) and for the ministering priests and Levites.

Prove me Whether or not he is the God he was in the days when he chose Israel (Malachi 3:6), the God of judgment (Malachi 2:17), who rewards the good. That he punishes the evil they should have discovered long ago (Malachi 3:9; Malachi 3:11-12).

Herewith Giving to Jehovah all his dues.

If I will not May be translated “surely I will.”

Open… the windows of heaven A figure denoting abundance of supply; the blessings will come like pouring rain (Genesis 7:11; Isaiah 24:18; compare 2 Kings 7:2).

There shall not be room enough Literally, until there is no need, which means, in superabundance. While the whole of Malachi 3:10 may be understood as a promise of blessings of every sort, in view of Malachi 3:11-12 it is not improbable that the prophet has in mind a specific blessing, abundant rain, the lack of which has caused the harvests to fail (compare Joel 1:16-20; Joel 2:23; Amos 4:7-8).

Rebuke The rebuke of Jehovah will cause flight or destruction.

The devourer The locust, so called because of his destructiveness (see on Joel 1:7; compare Amos 4:9).

For your sakes Who in those days will deserve the favor of Jehovah.

Your vine cast her fruit before the time Before it ripens and brings benefit to the owner.

Field See on Joel 1:11.