Malachi 3: Returning to God Through Faithful Stewardship

Executive Summary ✨

Malachi 3, a powerful chapter addressing the spiritual apathy and injustice plaguing post-exilic Judah, is a clarion call for repentance and a return to faithful stewardship. The chapter opens with a prophecy of a messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord, foreshadowing the ministry of St. John the Baptist and ultimately the coming of Christ. The core of Malachi 3 focuses on the people’s failure to honor God through the proper offering of tithes and offerings. God accuses them of robbing Him and promises blessings upon their obedience. Beyond mere financial obligation, Malachi 3 challenges us to examine the state of our hearts and our commitment to God in all aspects of life. It challenges us to truly Return to God Through Faithful Stewardship. It also offers a glimmer of hope, a promise of redemption and restoration for those who fear the Lord and meditate on His name. This chapter invites us to examine our hearts, repent of our shortcomings, and embrace a life of genuine devotion and obedience.

Malachi 3 is a powerful chapter in the prophetic tradition, addressing the people of Israel’s spiritual decline and call for repentance. This chapter speaks of the messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord, the Lord coming to his temple, the importance of tithing, and the difference between those who serve God and those who do not. We will embark on a verse-by-verse exploration of Malachi 3. It is a profound exploration of God’s character, His expectations of His people, and His promise of restoration and blessing. Let us delve into the depths of this ancient text, seeking to understand its timeless message and applying its wisdom to our lives today.

Commentary Sections 📖

Malachi 3:1 – The Messenger and the Lord’s Coming

Malachi 3:1 (KJV): Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.

Malachi 3:1 (NKJV): “Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant, In whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,” Says the Lord of hosts.

This verse unveils a prophecy concerning two figures: the messenger who prepares the way and the Lord who will suddenly come to His temple. The messenger is understood within the Coptic Orthodox tradition as St. John the Baptist, whose ministry of repentance prepared the hearts of the people for the arrival of Christ. The “Lord” is Christ Himself, the “Messenger of the covenant.” The use of “suddenly” emphasizes the unexpected nature of His coming, contrasting with the people’s anticipation of a Messiah who would conform to their earthly expectations.

Consider the words of St. Cyril of Alexandria, addressing the fulfillment of prophecy, “Ὅτι ὁ προφήτης τοῦτο προεφήτευσε, τὸ Ἰωάννην ἀποσταλῆναι πρὸ προσώπου τοῦ Σωτῆρος, ὡς ὁδὸν αὐτῷ παρασκευάζοντα.” (“For the prophet foretold this, that John would be sent before the face of the Savior, preparing the way for Him.” – Commentary on Malachi). This highlights the critical role of St. John the Baptist as the forerunner, paving the spiritual road for Christ’s advent.

Application: How are we preparing the way for Christ in our own lives and in the lives of others? Are we embodying the spirit of St. John the Baptist, calling others to repentance and paving the way for Christ’s presence in our hearts? We can use tools from dohost to create a website that shares the word of God.

Malachi 3:2-4 – The Refiner’s Fire and Purging

Malachi 3:2 (KJV): But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:

Malachi 3:2 (NKJV): “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire And like launderers’ soap.

Malachi 3:3 (KJV): And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.

Malachi 3:3 (NKJV): He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, And purge them as gold and silver, That they may offer to the Lord An offering in righteousness.

Malachi 3:4 (KJV): Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years.

Malachi 3:4 (NKJV): “Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem Will be pleasant to the Lord, As in the days of old, As in former years.

These verses describe the transformative power of Christ’s presence. The image of “refiner’s fire” and “fullers’ soap” represents the painful but necessary process of purification. Just as fire separates impurities from metal, and soap cleanses garments, so too does Christ purify our hearts and lives, removing sin and unrighteousness. The “sons of Levi,” representing the priesthood, are specifically mentioned as undergoing this purification, emphasizing the need for spiritual leaders to be blameless before God.

St. Athanasius the Apostolic beautifully captures this concept in his writings: “Ἡ γὰρ τοῦ Λόγου ἐπιφάνεια, καθαίρει μὲν τὰ μιαρά, φωτίζει δὲ τὰ σκοτεινά.” (“For the epiphany of the Word cleanses the defiled and illuminates the darkened.” – Contra Gentes). This illustrates how Christ’s revelation brings about a cleansing and enlightening effect on those who embrace Him.

Application: Are we willing to submit ourselves to the “refiner’s fire” of God’s grace? Are we open to allowing Him to expose and cleanse the impurities within our hearts, even when it is painful? We must embrace repentance and allow God to mold us into vessels fit for His service. This process will help us Return to God Through Faithful Stewardship.

Malachi 3:5-6 – Justice and the Unchanging God

Malachi 3:5 (KJV): And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the Lord of hosts.

Malachi 3:5 (NKJV): “And I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness Against sorcerers, Against adulterers, Against perjurers, Against those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans, And against those who turn away an alien—Because they do not fear Me,” Says the Lord of hosts.

Malachi 3:6 (KJV): For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

Malachi 3:6 (NKJV): “For I am the Lord, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.

These verses highlight God’s unwavering commitment to justice and His unchanging nature. He declares that He will be a “swift witness” against those who engage in various forms of wickedness, including sorcery, adultery, perjury, and oppression of the vulnerable. The assurance that “I am the Lord, I change not” is both a warning to the wicked and a source of comfort to the righteous. Because God’s character is immutable, His promises and judgments are sure.

This concept resonates with the words of St. Clement of Rome: “Οἱ οὐρανοὶ τῇ διαταγῇ αὐτοῦ κινοῦνται καὶ ὑπακούουσιν αὐτῷ.” (“The heavens are moved by His command and obey Him.” – 1 Clement 20). This emphasizes the divine order and the unwavering nature of God’s will, which underpins His justice and faithfulness.

Application: Do we live our lives with a consciousness of God’s justice and His unchanging character? Are we committed to upholding righteousness and defending the vulnerable? We must strive to reflect God’s justice in our own actions and advocate for justice in our communities.

Malachi 3:7-12 – Robbing God and the Blessing of Tithes

Malachi 3:7 (KJV): Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?

Malachi 3:7 (NKJV): Yet from the days of your fathers You have gone away from My ordinances And have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” Says the Lord of hosts. “But you said, ‘In what way shall we return?’

Malachi 3:8 (KJV): Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

Malachi 3:8 (NKJV): “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.

Malachi 3:9 (KJV): Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.

Malachi 3:9 (NKJV): You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation.

Malachi 3:10 (KJV): Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Malachi 3:10 (NKJV): Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.

Malachi 3:11 (KJV): And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.

Malachi 3:11 (NKJV): “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts.

Malachi 3:12 (KJV): And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.

Malachi 3:12 (NKJV): And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land,” Says the Lord of hosts.

This pivotal section addresses the people’s failure to honor God through faithful tithing. God accuses them of “robbing” Him by withholding the tithes and offerings that were due to Him. The tithe, representing a tenth of one’s income or produce, was intended to support the Levites, who served in the temple, and to provide for the poor. By neglecting their tithes, the people were not only disobeying God’s command but also depriving those in need. God promises blessings upon their obedience, including abundant provision and protection from devastation. The phrase “open you the windows of heaven” evokes the image of God’s limitless generosity.

The concept of tithing is found throughout the Old Testament. As Deuteronomy 14:22-29 states, “You shall truly tithe all the increase of your grain that comes forth year by year… that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do.” This highlights the promise of divine blessing associated with faithful tithing, linking it to prosperity and God’s favor.

Application: Is our giving motivated by love and gratitude for God’s blessings, or by a sense of obligation? Do we trust that God will provide for us when we are faithful in giving? Tithing is an act of worship and a recognition of God’s sovereignty over our lives. It is an integral part of how we Return to God Through Faithful Stewardship.

Malachi 3:13-15 – Arrogant Words and the Prosperity of the Wicked

Malachi 3:13 (KJV): Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee?

Malachi 3:13 (NKJV): “Your words have been harsh against Me,” Says the Lord. “Yet you say, ‘What have we spoken against You?’

Malachi 3:14 (KJV): Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts?

Malachi 3:14 (NKJV): You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God; What profit is it that we have kept His ordinance, And that we have walked as mourners Before the Lord of hosts?

Malachi 3:15 (KJV): And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.

Malachi 3:15 (NKJV): So now we call the proud blessed, For those who do wickedness are raised up; They even tempt God and go free.’

Here, God addresses the people’s cynical and arrogant attitude. They question the value of serving God, observing that the wicked often prosper while the righteous seem to suffer. This sentiment reflects a distorted view of God’s justice, focusing on immediate earthly rewards rather than eternal consequences. The people are essentially accusing God of being unjust and unfair.

The Book of Wisdom (2:1-5) speaks to a similar sentiment, reflecting on the perspective of those who deny divine justice: “For they reasoned unsoundly, saying to themselves… Our life is short and tedious, and in the death of a man there is no return, and no one knows that he has been among the living.” This passage illustrates the limited perspective of those who focus solely on earthly existence, neglecting the reality of divine judgment and eternal life.

Application: Do we ever find ourselves questioning God’s goodness when we face trials or see the wicked prosper? We must remember that God’s ways are not always our ways, and His timing is not always our timing. We must trust in His wisdom and sovereignty, even when we do not understand His plan.

Malachi 3:16-18 – The Book of Remembrance and the Day of Judgment

Malachi 3:16 (KJV): Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.

Malachi 3:16 (NKJV): Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, And the Lord listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the Lord And who meditate on His name.

Malachi 3:17 (KJV): And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

Malachi 3:17 (NKJV): “They shall be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts, “On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them As a father pities his own son who serves him.”

Malachi 3:18 (KJV): Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

Malachi 3:18 (NKJV): Then you shall again discern Between the righteous and the wicked, Between one who serves God And one who does not serve Him.

These verses offer a contrasting picture of those who remain faithful to God. They “feared the Lord” and “thought upon his name,” engaging in conversation and mutual encouragement. God promises to remember them and to spare them on the day of judgment, likening them to “jewels.” This emphasizes the preciousness of those who are faithful to God and the ultimate vindication of the righteous.

This concept of remembrance is echoed in Revelation 20:12, which speaks of the books that will be opened on the day of judgment: “And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.” This reinforces the idea that God keeps a record of our deeds and that we will be judged accordingly.

Application: Are we actively seeking fellowship with other believers, encouraging one another in our faith? Do we meditate on God’s name and strive to live in a way that is pleasing to Him? Let us cultivate a heart of reverence and devotion, trusting in God’s promise of remembrance and ultimate reward. This will make our Return to God Through Faithful Stewardship complete.

Subtopic Sections

Let’s explore some key reflections arising from Malachi 3:

• The Importance of Preparation: St. John the Baptist’s ministry highlights the need for repentance and preparing our hearts to receive Christ.
• The Refining Work of Christ: Christ’s presence is transformative, purifying us from sin and enabling us to offer righteous service to God.
• God’s Unwavering Justice: God is just and will hold the wicked accountable, while also protecting and vindicating the righteous.
• The Blessing of Faithful Giving: Tithing is an act of worship and a recognition of God’s sovereignty, leading to abundant blessings.
• The Value of Fellowship and Remembrance: Mutual encouragement and meditation on God’s name are essential for spiritual growth and perseverance.
• The Reality of Judgment: God will ultimately distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, rewarding those who have served Him faithfully.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Malachi 3:

• Q: What does it mean to “rob God” in Malachi 3:8?
  A: “Robbing God” refers to withholding the tithes and offerings that were due to Him. It signifies a lack of reverence and a failure to recognize God’s ownership of all things.
• Q: Is tithing still applicable to Christians today?
  A: While tithing is not explicitly mandated in the New Testament, the principle of generous and sacrificial giving remains a vital aspect of Christian discipleship. Many Coptic Orthodox Christians continue to tithe as a form of worship and stewardship.
• Q: How can we discern God’s will and live righteously in a world that often seems unjust?
  A: Through prayer, studying the Scriptures, seeking godly counsel, and cultivating a heart of reverence for God. We must trust in His wisdom and sovereignty, even when we do not understand His plan.
• Q: What does it mean to “fear the Lord” in Malachi 3:16?
  A: “Fearing the Lord” does not mean being afraid of Him but rather holding Him in awe and reverence, recognizing His holiness and authority, and seeking to obey His commands. It is a deep respect and love for God that motivates us to live in a way that is pleasing to Him.

Conclusion

Malachi 3 is a powerful reminder of God’s holiness, justice, and unwavering love. It calls us to examine our hearts, repent of our shortcomings, and embrace a life of genuine devotion and obedience. The chapter’s focus on tithing and offerings extends beyond mere financial obligations, challenging us to be faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to us. Ultimately, Malachi 3 offers a message of hope and restoration for those who fear the Lord and meditate on His name. It is through our commitment to Him that we truly Return to God Through Faithful Stewardship and experience the fullness of His blessings. May we heed the call of this ancient prophet and strive to live lives that are pleasing in His sight.

Tags

Meta Description

Malachi 3, tithing, stewardship, repentance, Coptic Orthodox, biblical commentary, prophecy, St. John the Baptist, justice, blessings