Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryMalachi 3

Francis D. Nichol (ed.) and contributors

Malachi 3:1

My messenger. God replies to the closing question of the previous chapter by affirming with certainty that He is coming in judgment and righteousness. To the people of Malachi’s day this message was a warning that God would deal with their sins. However, in addition to its warning message for the Jews of Malachi’s day, this prophecy also had a Messianic import (see on Mark 1:2; see DA 161). John the Baptist was the “messenger” who prepared “the way before” the Lord by preaching repentance (see Isa. 40:3–5; Matt. 3:1–3; 11:10, 11; Luke 3:2–14). Come to his temple. That is, to the most holy place for the work of the investigative judgment (GC 426).

Messenger of the covenant. Or, “angel of the covenant” (see on Haggai 1:13). The Lord, or “messenger of the covenant,” is none other than Christ, the second person of the Godhead (see on Ex. 3:2), and is to be clearly distinguished from the previously mentioned “messenger” of this verse. This prophecy regarding the “messenger of the covenant” applies not only to the time when Christ came to His Temple during His first advent (see DA 161), but also to the events connected with the close of earth’s history and the second advent (see GC 424; PP 339). 2.Who may abide? See Joel 2:11. The Jews believed that the Messiah was coming to punish the heathen in judgment. On the contrary, Malachi warns the Jews they will be the first to suffer judgment (see Amos 5:18). Refiner’s fire. As a fire separates the metal from the dross, so God by His judgment separates the righteous from the wicked (see on v. 1). Fullers’ soap. Not a true soap, which was probably unknown in ancient times, but a vegetable alkali obtained from the burning of certain plants, and used for washing purposes.

Ellen G. White

1-3. Truth a Continual Test—[Malachi 3:1-3 quoted.] Everything in our character that cannot enter the city of God will be reproved; if we submit to the Lord’s refining, all the dross and the tin will be consumed. As the Lord’s chosen ones will receive the light appropriate for this time, they will not be led to exalt themselves. They will not manufacture a standard whereby to measure their own character; for the Lord has given one standard, by which every character is to be tested. There is not one standard for the poor, and another for the rich; for all will be tested by that law which bids us to love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves. Those who win the treasure of heaven will be those who have laid up their treasure above. God gives us light and opportunities to learn from Christ; that we may be like Him in spirit and character; but we are not to conform to any human standard. We are to receive the truth of God into the heart, that it may regulate the life and form the character.

The Lord is looking upon men in the different spheres in which they move, and the character is tested under the different circumstances in which they are placed. The truth, pure, refined, elevating, is a continual test, to measure the man. If truth controls the conscience and is an abiding principle in the heart, it becomes an active working agent, it works by love and purifies the soul. But if the knowledge of the truth produces no beauty in the soul, if it does not subdue, soften, and recreate the man after God’s own image, it is of no benefit to the receiver; it is as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. The truth as it is in Jesus, planted in the heart by the Holy Spirit, always works from within outward; it will be revealed in our words and spirit and actions toward everyone with whom we are connected (Letter 20a, 1893).

The Master sees wherein we need to be purified for His heavenly kingdom. He will not leave us in the furnace until we are wholly consumed. As a refiner and purifier of silver, He is beholding His children, watching the process of purification, until He shall discern His image reflected in us. Although we often feel affliction’s flame kindling about us, and at times fear that we shall be utterly consumed, yet the loving-kindness of God is just as great toward us at these times as when we are free in spirit and triumphing in Him. The furnace is to purify and refine, but not to consume and destroy. God in His providence would try us, to purify us as the sons of Levi, that we may offer to Him an offering in righteousness (The Southern Watchman, February 7, 1905).

We are seldom, in all respects, placed in the same condition twice. Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Daniel, and many others, were all sorely tried, but not in the same way. Every one has his individual tests and trials in the drama of life, but the very same trial seldom comes twice. Each has his own experience, peculiar in its character and circumstances, to accomplish a certain work. God has a work, a purpose, in the life of each and all of us. Every act, however small, has its place in our life experience. We must have the continual light and experience that come from God. We all need them, and God is more than willing we should have them, if we will take them (The Review and Herald, June 22, 1886).

A people is brought to view who are not filled with the Holy Spirit, because they have not walked humbly with God and been faithful and clean and pure and holy in His sight. God says, “Your words have been stout against me.... 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 accept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts? And now we call the proud happy; ... yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.”

Who required them to walk mournfully? Not Christ. Their mournfulness is the fruit of their own will and unsanctified spirit. They complain of one another and of God, putting on an outside show as disappointed men, leaving the impression on the world that it does not pay to be Christians. To be envious and jealous of the brethren means to be envious and jealous of God (Manuscript 15, 1899).

Let each one seek to become an intelligent Christian, bearing his responsibility, and acting his personal part to make the meeting interesting and profitable....

The Majesty of heaven identifies His interests with those of the believers, however humble may be their circumstances. And wherever they are privileged to meet together, it is appropriate that they speak often one to another, giving utterance to the gratitude and love that is a result of thinking upon the name of the Lord. Thus shall God be glorified as He hearkens and hears, and the testimony meeting will be considered the most precious of all meetings; for the words spoken are recorded in the book of remembrance (Manuscript 32, 1894).

Represent Bright Side of Religion—Do not gratify the enemy by dwelling upon the dark side of your experience; trust Jesus more fully for help to resist temptation. If we thought and talked more of Jesus, and less of ourselves, we should have much more of His presence. If we abide in Him, we shall be so filled with peace, faith, and courage, and shall have so victorious an experience to relate when we come to meeting, that others will be refreshed by our clear, strong testimony for God. These precious acknowledgements to the praise of the glory of His grace, when supported by a Christlike life, have an irresistible power, which works for the salvation of souls.

The bright and cheerful side of religion will be represented by all who are daily consecrated to God. We should not dishonor our Lord by a mournful relation of trials that appear grievous. All trials that are received as educators will produce joy. The whole religious life will be uplifting, elevating, ennobling, fragrant with good words and works. The enemy is well pleased to have souls depressed, downcast; he desires unbelievers to gain wrong impressions regarding the effect of our faith. But God desires the mind to take a higher level. He desires every soul to triumph in the keeping power of the Redeemer (The Southern Watchman, March 7, 1905).

Jewels Everywhere—God has jewels in all the churches, and it is not for us to make sweeping denunciation of the professed religious world, but in humility and love, present to all the truth as it is in Jesus. Let men see piety and devotion, let them behold Christlikeness of character, and they will be drawn to the truth. He who loves God supremely and his neighbor as himself, will be a light in the world. Those who have a knowledge of the truth are to communicate the same. They are to lift up Jesus, the world’s Redeemer; they are to hold forth the Word of life (The Review and Herald, January 17, 1893).

Malachi 3:3

He shall sit. The previous thought (v. 2) is repeated for emphasis. The sons of Levi. The priests are mentioned especially as those most responsible for leading the people in righteousness by their example and teaching (see Mal. 2:1–9; see on 2 Chron. 15:3). Purge. The chastisement upon the “sons of Levi” is designed not only to cleanse their souls by ridding them of evil, but also to foster an advance in holiness by fitting them to “offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness” (see Rom. 12:1; 2 Peter 3:18; DA 161). Offering. Heb. minchah (see on ch. 1:10).

Ellen G. White

3, 4. A Refining Process—[Malachi 3:3, 4 quoted.] In this scripture is portrayed a refining, purifying process, to be carried on in the hearts of men by the Lord of hosts. The process is most trying to the soul, but it is only by this means that the dross can be removed. Of necessity we must endure trials; for through these we are brought close to our heavenly Father, in obedience to His will, that we may render to Him an offering in righteousness....

Every Test Necessary, Seldom Repeated—[Malachi 3:3, 4 quoted.] Here is the process, the refining, purifying process, to be carried on by the Lord of hosts. The work is most trying to the soul, but it is only through this process that the rubbish and defiling impurities can be removed. Our trials are all necessary to bring us close to our heavenly Father, in obedience to His will, that we may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness. God has given each of us capabilities, talents to improve. We need a new and living experience in the divine life, in order to do the will of God. No amount of past experience will suffice for the present, or will strengthen us to overcome the difficulties in our path. We must have new grace and fresh strength daily in order to be victorious.

Malachi 3:4

Pleasant. The removal of sin by priests and people will restore the divine favor (see PK 706). Days of old. The Jews considered such periods as those of Abraham, Moses, and David as more or less ideal times.

Malachi 3:5

To judgment. In other words, “Here is the judgment!” the divine answer to the question, “Where is the God of judgment?” (ch. 2:17). Sorcerers. The divine displeasure was especially directed against those who practiced heathen magical arts (see Ex. 22:18; Deut. 18:10), for example, those arts prevalent in Babylon (see on Dan. 2:2). Adulterers. Another group to come especially under the indictment of God were those guilty of immorality, including those who secured unlawful divorces (see on ch. 2:14–16). How sweepingly would this same indictment apply to thousands of persons living today! False swearers. The LXX reads “them that swear falsely by my name” (see Lev. 19:12). Oppress the hireling. God calls on His professed followers to be just, yes, even liberal, with those who are dependent upon wages for their daily sustenance (see Deut. 24:14, 15; James 5:4). Widow … fatherless … stranger. The Lord made special provisions to guard the rights of those who are in any degree defenseless, helpless, or in need of protection (Ex. 22:21, 22; Deut. 24:17; 27:19). The Jews were forbidden to take advantage of the “stranger,” or foreigner, among them.

Ellen G. White

5-17. A View of Two Groups—In the third chapter of Malachi two parties are brought to view. Here the Lord denounces against His professed people who are not faithful sentinels. The charge and challenge of God against this people is marked and decided [Malachi 3:5-12 quoted.] Man’s duty to be faithful in giving the Lord the portion which He claims in tithes and offerings, that there may be a supply to carry forward the work without embarrassment or hindrance is plainly specified.

Malachi 3:6

I change not. Here the Lord effectively refutes the charge that He winks at evil (ch. 2:17). God’s holiness is everlastingly constant and unalterable (see Num. 23:19; James 1:17). It is precisely because God does not change that His eternal purpose toward His people will stand. He may punish, discipline, and correct them, but all this is for the purpose of bringing repentance and salvation to them.

Malachi 3:7

Ye are gone away. God had been true to His promises (see on v. 6), yet the people had not been true to Him, particularly in tithes and offerings (vs. 8, 9). Return unto me. The burden of the prophet’s message (see on ch. 1:1) is not a pronouncement of judgment upon sinners, but a call to repentance and fidelity to God, accompanied by a solemn reminder of the past history of Israel. To “return” to God is to repent of sin and make a thorough reformation in the life. This is the theme of the book of Joel (see Joel 2:12, 13). Wherein? Again (see on ch. 1:2) the people reveal their hypocritical self-justification in questioning God. See p. 1122.

Malachi 3:8

Will a man rob God? Strong language indeed! Mincing no words, Malachi shows specifically in what way the people have “robbed” God: by withholding from Him the “tithes and offerings” that are His due (see Lev. 27:30, 32; Num. 18:21; Neh. 10:37–39). Offerings. Some fail to realize that it is possible to “rob” God in “offerings” even as in tithe. One who senses his obligations as a steward of God’s bounties will freely give the Lord offerings according to his ability, “as God hath prospered him” (1 Cor. 16:2).

Ellen G. White

8. Robbery of Service—Those who refuse to place themselves on the Lord’s side are robbing Him of the service He claims. What rent are they paying Him for living in His house, this world? They act as though they had created the world, as though they had a right to use what they possess as they please. God marks their misuse of His talents (Manuscript 50, 1901).

Malachi 3:9

Ye are cursed. The immediate context (v. 11) suggests that the “curse” was that of crop scarcity and field devastation (see Haggai 1:6; Mal. 2:2). The “curse” automatically followed disobedience as blessing followed obedience (see pp. 27, 28). There is no neutral ground; a man is either right or wrong in his conduct, and God rewards him accordingly. Whole nation. In strong condemnation the prophet refers to Judah as “this whole nation” rather than as God’s people. It is evident that this robbery of God was practiced by all.

Malachi 3:10

All the tithes. Or, “the full tithes.” This implies that if the people paid tithe, they did not pay a full or honest tithe. Let us be sure that we do not make the same mistake as the people of Malachi’s day (cf. 1 Cor. 10:6–10). The Giver of all has a right to expect us to render Him an honest tithe, and also willing gifts as we are able. Meat. Better, “food.” Windows of heaven. Compare Gen. 7:11; 8:2. Not only will there be plenty of rain to remove all fear of drought, but through these openings, so to speak, the divine blessing will be poured out in great abundance (see Lev. 26:3–5). Blessing. Not necessarily a material blessing, though that seems to be emphasized here (see on v. 11). For the material blessings God designed to bestow upon His people, see pp. 27, 28.

Ellen G. White

10, 11. A Message Still Binding—Duty is duty, and should be performed for its own sake. But the Lord has compassion upon us in our fallen condition, and accompanies His commands with promises. He calls upon His people to prove Him, declaring that He will reward obedience with the richest blessings [Malachi 3:10, 11 quoted] (The Southern Watchman, February 14, 1905).

Malachi 3:11

The devourer. Probably a reference to locusts, which were so destructive of crops (see on Joel 1:4). The Lord here promises material prosperity to those who are faithful in tithe paying.

Ellen G. White

11. God Can Scatter Means—Those who are selfishly withholding their means need not be surprised if God’s hand scatters their possessions. That which should have been devoted to the advancement of His work and cause, but which has been withheld, may in various ways be taken away. God will come near to them in judgments. Many losses will be sustained. God can scatter the means He has lent to His stewards, if they refuse to use it to His glory. Some may have none of these losses to remind them of their remissness in duty, but their cases may be the more hopeless (The Southern Watchman, February 21, 1905).

Malachi 3:12

Call you blessed. God desired that His people be an object lesson of the results of obedience (see pp. 26–29).

Malachi 3:13

Stout against me. Or, “firm against me” (see Jude 15). The LXX reads, “Ye have spoken grievous words against me.” The prophet here contrasts the wicked murmuring of

the people (Mal. 3:13–15) with the reward that those faithful to God will receive (vs. 16– 18). See p. 1122. Yet ye say. See on ch. 1:2.

Ellen G. White

13-16. One Person Not to Do All the Witnessing—The fact that the Lord has been represented as hearkening to the words spoken by His witnesses, tells us that Jesus is in our very midst. He says, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst.” One person is not to do all the witnessing for Jesus; but everyone who loves God is to testify of the preciousness of His grace and truth. Those who receive the light of truth are to have lesson upon lesson to educate them not to keep silent, but to speak often one to another. They are to keep in mind the Sabbath meeting, when those who love and fear God, and who think upon His name, can have opportunity to express their thoughts in speaking one to another....

Malachi 3:14

It is vain. That is, nothing is to be gained. Evidently the prophet is condemning them because what little they did for God was from selfish motives.

Malachi 3:15

We call the proud happy. The murmurers do not consider that the humble and meek are “happy,” or blessed by the Lord, but consider that the “proud” and arrogant enjoy good fortune and well-being in the world (see Isa. 13:11). They that tempt God. That is, those who put God to the test and provoke Him by reason of their wickedness. The LXX reads, “They have resisted God.”

Malachi 3:16

Feared the Lord. Malachi brings a message of hope and comfort to those who are still faithful to the Lord. What a contrast between the iniquitous complainers mentioned above (vs. 13–15) and those who are truly righteous! A book of remembrance. The prophet encourages those who are endeavoring to do what is right with the thought that God remembers the devoted service of His people (see on Dan. 7:10).

Ellen G. White

16. Memory Constantly Refreshed—Every deliverance, every blessing, that God in the past has granted to His people, should be kept fresh in memory’s hall as a sure pledge of further and richer, increasing blessings that He will bestow. The Lord’s blessings are adapted to the needs of His people (Manuscript 65, 1912).

16, 17. Promises to Be Verified—The closing words of this scripture outline the experience that the people of God are yet to have. We have a wonderful future before us as a people. The promises of the third chapter of Malachi will be verified to the letter (Letter 223, 1904).

Angels Await Prayers—Seek most earnestly for a deeper experience and piety, and learn to walk circumspectly. [Malachi 3:16, 17 quoted.] God does not leave His erring children who are weak in faith, and who make many mistakes. The Lord hearkens and hears their prayer and their testimony. Those who look unto Jesus day by day and hour by hour, who watch unto prayer, are drawing nigh to Jesus. Angels with wings outspread wait to bear their contrite prayers to God, and to register them in the books of heaven (Letter 90, 1895).

(Malachi 3:16, 17; 1 Corinthians 3:13.) Angels MarkingDeeds of Men—All heaven is interested in our salvation. The angels of God are walking up and down the streets of these cities, and marking the deeds of men. They record in the books of God’s remembrance the words of faith, the acts of love, the humility of spirit; and in that day when every man’s work shall be tried of what sort it is, the work of the humble follower of Christ will stand the test, and will receive the commendation of Heaven (The Review and Herald, September 16, 1890).

Malachi 3:17

They shall be mine. In the day when the sinners in Israel are arraigned before the bar of divine justice, God promises to recognize His “jewels” and spare them from the fate of the wicked. Jewels. Heb. segullah, “[private] property,” or “special possession” (see on Ex. 19:5; Deut. 7:6; Ps. 135:4; cf. 1 Peter 2:9). I will spare them. Note the two reasons for God’s mercy toward His faithful children: they are His sons (see John 1:12; Rom. 8:14; Gal. 3:26), and they serve Him as obedient children (see Ps. 103:13; Rev. 14:12).

Ellen G. White

17. All Luster Is Reflected Light—All the luster possessed by those who have gained the richest experience is but the reflection of the light of the Sun of righteousness. He who lives nearest to Jesus shines the brightest. And let us thank God that the Master has His hidden ones, who are not recognized by the world, but whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. The luster of the tiniest gem in God’s casket will glorify Him. There are many ... who during this life do not seem to be particularly honored. But the Lord sees those who serve Him [Malachi 3:17 quoted] (Letter 94, 1903).

Malachi 3:18

Discern between. The prophet points forward to the time when all will be made plain, a time when the questions raised by the people of his day (see chs. 2:17; 3:14) will be finally and satisfactorily answered. Both in the nation’s history and in the individual Israelite’s life many incidents had witnessed to the fact that God deals differently with the godly and the ungodly. However, in the day of the Lord convincing evidence will be given of God’s judgment and justice (see Ps. 58:11).