Question 1

Who is the messenger that prepares the way before the Lord in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The passage speaks of a messenger God will send ahead of the Lord to prepare the way. From the rest of Scripture we learn this points to John the Baptist. His work was to call people to repent, clear away hardness of heart, and get them ready for the coming of Christ. He is not the Lord Himself, but he goes before Him. The Lord who comes after is called the “messenger of the covenant,” the one who brings and secures God’s covenant of grace.

Question 2

What does it mean that the Lord is like a refiner’s fire and fullers’ soap?

Accepted Answer

A refiner’s fire heats metal until the impurities rise and can be removed. Fullers’ soap was used to scrub cloth until it was clean. By using these pictures, God shows that when He comes, He does not simply comfort people in their sin, He cleans them. He exposes and burns away what is false, starting with those who serve Him, so they can offer Him what is right. This can be painful, like fire or scrubbing, but it is meant to purify, not destroy His true people.

Question 3

Why does God focus on purifying the sons of Levi in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The sons of Levi were the priests and temple workers. God starts with them because they were meant to lead the people in worship and teach His ways. If they are corrupt, the whole nation is harmed. The passage says the Lord will purify them like gold and silver so they can bring “an offering in righteousness.” In other words, their hearts and service must be cleaned so that what they offer is pleasing to God, and true worship can be restored among the people.

Question 4

What does it mean to rob God in tithes and offerings here?

Accepted Answer

God says the people are robbing Him because they hold back the tithes and offerings He commanded. Those gifts were meant to support His house, care for the priests, and help the needy. By keeping them for themselves, they showed a lack of trust and love for God. He calls this robbery because what they withhold is not theirs to keep, but His. He then invites them to bring all the tithes, promising to pour out blessing and protect their crops if they return to faithful giving.

Question 5

What does this passage teach about God not changing?

Accepted Answer

God says, “I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” This shows that while the people have been unfaithful for generations, God’s character and covenant mercy stay the same. The only reason they are not destroyed is that He keeps His promise and does not turn from His nature. His unchanging faithfulness is both a warning and a comfort: He will judge sin, but He also patiently calls them to return and is ready to receive them when they do.

Question 6

Why does God say, “Return unto me, and I will return unto you”?

Accepted Answer

This line shows both the problem and the invitation. The people have turned away from God’s commands and ways. Yet He does not cut them off; instead He calls them to come back. “Return unto me” means repentance: turning from disobedience and coming back to trust and obey Him. “I will return unto you” is a promise of restored favor, help, and fellowship. Their coldness created the distance, but if they turn back, they will find that God is ready to draw near again.

Question 7

Why were some people saying it is vain to serve God in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Some in Israel were looking around and concluding that serving God did not pay off. They said the proud and wicked were the ones who seemed happy and safe, while those who tried to walk carefully before God saw no benefit. Their words showed a hard heart and short-sighted view, judging God’s ways only by present results. God answers by noting their “stout” words and then pointing to a future day when He will clearly show the difference between those who serve Him and those who do not.

Question 8

What is the book of remembrance written for those who fear the Lord?

Accepted Answer

The passage describes those who feared the Lord talking with each other, and God paying close attention. A “book of remembrance” is said to be written before Him for those who fear His name. This picture means that God does not overlook quiet faithfulness, even when many around are cold or mocking. He keeps careful record of those who honor Him. He promises that in the coming day they will be His special possession, like jewels, and He will spare them as a father spares a faithful son.

Question 9

How does this passage balance judgment and hope for God’s people?

Accepted Answer

On one hand, the Lord comes in judgment: as a refiner’s fire, as a swift witness against sorcery, adultery, lying, and oppression of the weak. He exposes empty religion and calls out greed and harsh treatment of others. On the other hand, He offers hope: a coming messenger and Messiah, a call to return, a promise of blessing for obedience, and assurance that He remembers and will spare those who fear Him. Judgment and mercy are both present, flowing from the same unchanging God.

Malachi 3:1

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.

I Will Send My Messenger

Robbing God

The Book of Remembrance

I Will Send My Messenger

Cross References

Malachi 3:1

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.

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I Will Send My Messenger

Robbing God

The Book of Remembrance

I Will Send My Messenger

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