Easy Bible・Malachi 3

God's Promise of Coming Judgment and Blessing

Key Passages

About this Chapter

In Malachi 3, God speaks through the prophet Malachi to rebuke the people of Israel for their unfaithfulness. He starts by reminding them that He is the unchanging God who does not change His promises or His character. He calls them to return to Him and promises to return to them. God also confronts the people for their failure to bring their tithes and offerings, and challenges them to test Him in this area. He assures them that if they are faithful in their giving, He will pour out blessings upon them. However, if they continue in their disobedience, they will face the consequences of their actions. God then turns His attention to the corrupt practices of the people, particularly the dishonesty and oppression of the workers. He declares that He will come as a refiner's fire, purifying the people and refining them like gold and silver. He will purify the Levites, the priests, so that they may offer acceptable sacrifices to Him. God also promises to judge those who practice sorcery, adultery, perjury, and other sinful behaviors. In the final section of Malachi 3, God speaks about the distinction between the righteous and the wicked. He assures the righteous that He will spare them and bless them, while the wicked will face judgment. God encourages the people to remember His law and to have faith in His promises. He promises to send the prophet Elijah before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers.