Malachi 3:17
"They will be Mine," says the LORD of Hosts, "on the day when I prepare My treasured possession. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.
They will be Mine
This phrase signifies a profound declaration of ownership and relationship. In Hebrew, the word "Mine" (לִי, li) indicates possession and belonging. The LORD of Hosts is asserting His claim over His people, emphasizing a covenant relationship. Historically, this reflects the covenantal promises made to Israel, where God repeatedly affirmed His people as His own. This ownership is not just about possession but about a deep, personal relationship akin to a family bond.

says the LORD of Hosts
The title "LORD of Hosts" (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, Yahweh Tseva'ot) is a powerful designation of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies. This title is often used in contexts where God's power and authority are being highlighted. It reassures the faithful of God's supreme control and ability to fulfill His promises. Historically, this would have been a comforting reminder to the Israelites of God's protection and might.

on the day
The phrase "on the day" (בַּיּוֹם, bayom) refers to a specific time of divine action and intervention. In prophetic literature, "the day" often points to a future time when God will act decisively in history. This could be a day of judgment or salvation, depending on the context. Here, it suggests a future moment when God will fulfill His promises to His people, aligning with eschatological themes found throughout the prophets.

when I prepare
The verb "prepare" (עָשָׂה, asah) in Hebrew conveys the idea of making ready or setting apart. This preparation is an intentional act by God, indicating His active role in setting apart His people for a special purpose. It suggests a process of refinement and sanctification, aligning with the broader biblical theme of God preparing His people for His purposes.

My treasured possession
The term "treasured possession" (סְגֻלָּה, segullah) is a rich Hebrew word denoting something highly valued and cherished. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a king's "treasured possession" would be his most prized and valuable assets. For God to call His people His "treasured possession" signifies their immense value to Him. This echoes Exodus 19:5, where God calls Israel His "treasured possession" among all peoples, highlighting the special status and love God has for His covenant people.

And I will spare them
The promise "I will spare them" (וְחָמַלְתִּי עֲלֵיהֶם, vechamalti alehem) speaks of divine mercy and compassion. The verb "spare" (חָמַל, chamal) implies a withholding of deserved punishment, reflecting God's grace. This is reminiscent of the Passover in Exodus, where God spared the Israelites from the plague. It underscores the theme of redemption and God's willingness to forgive and protect those who are faithful to Him.

as a man spares his own son who serves him
This simile draws a parallel between God's relationship with His people and a father's relationship with a dutiful son. In ancient cultures, a son who served his father faithfully was often rewarded with favor and inheritance. This imagery conveys intimacy, love, and the reward of faithful service. It highlights the familial aspect of God's relationship with His people, where obedience and service are met with love and protection. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God as a loving Father to His children.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD of Hosts
This title emphasizes God's supreme authority and power over all heavenly armies. It reflects His sovereignty and ability to fulfill His promises.

2. The Day of the LORD
This refers to a future time of divine intervention, judgment, and salvation. It is a recurring theme in prophetic literature, symbolizing both judgment for the wicked and deliverance for the righteous.

3. Treasured Possession
This term is used to describe God's people, indicating their special status and value to Him. It echoes the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

4. A Man and His Son
This analogy illustrates the intimate and loving relationship God desires with His people, akin to a father-son relationship.

5. The Faithful Remnant
Although not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the context of Malachi speaks to a faithful group within Israel who remain devoted to God amidst widespread unfaithfulness.
Teaching Points
God's Ownership and Care
As God's treasured possession, believers are valued and cherished. This identity should shape our self-worth and purpose.

The Promise of Divine Protection
God promises to spare His people, offering assurance of His protection and mercy. This should encourage us to trust in His faithfulness.

Covenantal Relationship
Our relationship with God is based on His covenant promises. We are called to respond with faithfulness and obedience.

The Importance of Faithfulness
Like the faithful remnant in Malachi, we are called to remain steadfast in our devotion to God, even when others fall away.

The Father-Son Analogy
Understanding our relationship with God as a familial bond can deepen our appreciation of His love and our commitment to serve Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding yourself as God's "treasured possession" impact your daily life and decisions?

2. In what ways can you demonstrate faithfulness to God in a world that often turns away from Him?

3. How does the promise of being spared by God provide comfort and assurance in times of trial?

4. What parallels can you draw between the father-son relationship in Malachi 3:17 and the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15?

5. How can the concept of being part of a "faithful remnant" encourage you in your walk with God, especially when facing challenges to your faith?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 19:5
This verse speaks of Israel as God's treasured possession if they obey His covenant, establishing the covenantal context for Malachi 3:17.

Deuteronomy 7:6
This passage highlights Israel's chosen status as a holy people and treasured possession, reinforcing the idea of a special relationship with God.

1 Peter 2:9
This New Testament verse echoes the concept of believers as a chosen people and royal priesthood, connecting the Old Testament idea of a treasured possession to the Church.

Luke 15:11-32
The Parable of the Prodigal Son illustrates the father-son relationship and the theme of forgiveness and restoration, similar to God's promise to spare His people.
A Name for God's PeopleD. Adams.Malachi 3:17
Believers are the Jewels of ChristW. Mayers, A. M.Malachi 3:17
Christians Rarely Combine All ExcellenciesW. Y. Fullerton.Malachi 3:17
Crown JewelsT. De Witt Talmage, D. D.Malachi 3:17
Divine JewelsW. Birch.Malachi 3:17
Gem FormationCyclopaedia of Nature Teachings.Malachi 3:17
God and Good MenHomilistMalachi 3:17
God's Crown JewelsDavid Winters.Malachi 3:17
God's Estimate of Christian CharacterW. L. Watkinson.Malachi 3:17
God's JewelsT. C. Cuyler.Malachi 3:17
God's People Regarded as His JewelsD. Wilcox.Malachi 3:17
Jehovah's JewelsB. D. Johns.Malachi 3:17
JewelsA. Brooks.Malachi 3:17
My JewelsCharles Wadsworth, D. D.Malachi 3:17
My JewelsR. Newton, D. D.Malachi 3:17
The Dignity of the People of GodHugh Allen, M. A.Malachi 3:17
The Fear of God RewardedJ. Marriot, A. M.Malachi 3:17
The Jewels of the KingS.V. Leech, D. D.Malachi 3:17
The Lord's JewelLeumas.Malachi 3:17
The Lord's JewelsRobert Tuck, B. A.Malachi 3:17
The Lord's JewelsHomer M'Vay.Malachi 3:17
The Lord's JewelsW. H. Perkins.Malachi 3:17
The Making Up of God's JewelsJohn Shoolbraid.Malachi 3:17
The Redeemer's JewelsRichard Roberts.Malachi 3:17
Touchstones of CharacterW. Y. Fullerton.Malachi 3:17
Varieties of Christian CharacterW. Y. Fullerton.Malachi 3:17
Christian Communion EncouragedSketches of Four Hundred SermonsMalachi 3:16-17
Christian ConversationG. B. F. Hallock.Malachi 3:16-17
Christian ConversationPulpit TreasuryMalachi 3:16-17
Christian ConverseA. Brunton, D. D.Malachi 3:16-17
Christian Fellowship in a Backsliding ChurchE. D. Solomon.Malachi 3:16-17
Christian FriendshipF. W. Robertson.Malachi 3:16-17
Christian FriendshipE. J. Hardy, M. A.Malachi 3:16-17
Christian IntercourseEssex RemembrancerMalachi 3:16-17
Christian IntercourseMontagu Villiers, M. A.Malachi 3:16-17
Christianity, a Social ReligionMalachi 3:16-17
Christians in ConversationA. Smellie.Malachi 3:16-17
DiscourseJames Begg, A. M.Malachi 3:16-17
Genuine ReligionHomilistMalachi 3:16-17
God and the FloodHomilistMalachi 3:16-17
Godly Fear the Distinguishing Character of BelieversW. Mayors, M. A.Malachi 3:16-17
God's Book of RemembranceD. Merson, M. A. , B. D.Malachi 3:16-17
God's People in a Godless AgeN. Armstrong.Malachi 3:16-17
Love to the Name of the LordThe PreacherMalachi 3:16-17
MemoryA. P. Peabody.Malachi 3:16-17
Men that Feared the LordS. Barnard.Malachi 3:16-17
Men Who Feared the LordA. Roberts, M. A.Malachi 3:16-17
Religious ConversationC. J. Vaughan, D. D.Malachi 3:16-17
Religious ConversationC. Lowell.Malachi 3:16-17
Religious Conversation an Evidence of the General Christian Temper and SpiritArchbishop Becker.Malachi 3:16-17
Religious Conversation RecommendedJ. Abernethy, M. A.Malachi 3:16-17
Religious FellowshipJoseph Parker, D. D.Malachi 3:16-17
Speaking to One Another of Holy ThingsT. K. Arnold.Malachi 3:16-17
The Book of God's PeersJ. G. Greenhough.Malachi 3:16-17
The Book of RemembranceH. G. Parrish, B. A.Malachi 3:16-17
The Christian's Thoughts of GodGeorge Weight, B. A.Malachi 3:16-17
The Communion of SaintsHenry Cleare.Malachi 3:16-17
The Delineation of God's PeopleHugh Allen, M. A.Malachi 3:16-17
The Faithful in Dark DaysBaldwin Brown, B. A.Malachi 3:16-17
The Fear of God a Power-PrincipleH. M. Dubose.Malachi 3:16-17
The Inner Circle of Church LifeWatchword.Malachi 3:16-17
The List of the Loyal OnesR. Tuck Malachi 3:16, 17
The Lord's Book of RemembranceBaldwin Brown, B. A.Malachi 3:16-17
The Lord's PeopleG. Maxwell, B. A.Malachi 3:16-17
Threefold Aspect of True SainthoodF. W. Brown.Malachi 3:16-17
Genuine ReligionD. Thomas Malachi 3:16-18
People
Jacob, Levi, Levites, Malachi
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Act, Almighty, Appointing, Armies, Compassion, Hosts, Jewels, Mercy, Peculiar, Pity, Possession, Prepare, Property, Says, Servant, Serves, Serveth, Serving, Spare, Spares, Spareth, Special, Treasure, Treasured
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Malachi 3:17

     5591   treasure
     6667   grace, in OT
     6688   mercy, demonstration of God's
     7021   church, OT anticipations
     7032   unity, God's people
     7115   children of God
     7141   people of God, OT

Malachi 3:16-18

     5006   human race, destiny
     8335   reverence, and blessing

Malachi 3:17-18

     7150   righteous, the

Library
The Lord Coming to his Temple
Westminster Abbey. November, 1874. Malachi iii. 1, 2. "The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple. . . . 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 fuller's sope." We believe that this prophecy was fulfilled at the first coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that it will be fulfilled again, in that great day when He shall judge the quick and the dead. But it is of neither of these events
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

January 19. "Prove Me Now Herewith" (Mal. Iii. 10).
"Prove me now herewith" (Mal. iii. 10). We once heard a simple old colored man say something that we have never forgotten. "When God tests You it is a good time for you to test Him by putting His promises to the proof, and claiming from Him just as much as your trials have rendered necessary." There are two ways of getting out of a trial. One is to simply try to get rid of the trial, and be thankful when it is over. The other is to recognize the trial as a challenge from God to claim a larger blessing
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Unchanging Lord
'I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.' MALACHI iii. 6. The scriptural revelations of the divine Name are always the basis of intensely practical admonition. The Bible does not think it worth while to proclaim the Name of God without building on the proclamation promises or commandments. There is no 'mere theology' in Scripture; and it does not speak of 'attributes,' nor give dry abstractions of infinitude, eternity, omniscience, unchangeableness, but lays stress
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Dialogue with God
'Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of Hosts. But ye say, Wherein shall we return?'--MALACHI iii. 7 (R.V.). In previous sermons we have considered God's indictment of man's sin met by man's plea of 'not guilty,' and God's threatenings brushed aside by man's question. Here we have the climax of self-revealing and patient love in God's wooing voice to draw the wanderer back, met by man's refusing answer. These three divine utterances taken together cover the whole ground of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Last Word of Prophecy
'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. 2. 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: 3. 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
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'Stout Words,' and their Confutation
'Your words have been stout against Me, saith the Lord: yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against Thee? 14. 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? 15. And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered. 16. Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it; and a
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Lord Coming to his Temple
The LORD , whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple; even the messenger of the covenant in whom ye delight: Behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. 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 a fuller's soap, -- and he shall purify the sons of Levi -- that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. W hereunto shall we liken the people of this generation? and to what are they like? (Luke 7:31)
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

The Immutability of God
"Great God, how infinite art thou, What worthless worms are we!" But while the subject humbles the mind it also expands it. He who often thinks of God, will have a larger mind than the man who simply plods around this narrow globe. He may be a naturalist, boasting of his ability to dissect a beetle, anatomize a fly, or arrange insects and animals in classes with well nigh unutterable names; he may be a geologist, able to discourse of the megatherium and the plesiosaurus, and all kinds of extinct
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

God's Jewels.
(Schools.) MALACHI III. 17. "They shall be Mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels." There is a legend of old time which tells us how a certain Jewish Rabbi returned to his home after a long absence. His first question was--"Where are my boys?" for his wife had greeted him alone. Then, instead of answering her husband's question, the wife asked his advice. She told him that some years before someone had lent her something very precious, and she would know whether after
H. J. Wilmot-Buxton—The Life of Duty, a Year's Plain Sermons, v. 2

The Unchangeableness of God
The next attribute is God's unchangeableness. I am Jehovah, I change not.' Mal 3:3. I. God is unchangeable in his nature. II. In his decree. I. Unchangeable in his nature. 1. There is no eclipse of his brightness. 2. No period put to his being. [1] No eclipse of his brightness. His essence shines with a fixed lustre. With whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.' James 1:17. Thou art the same.' Psa 102:27. All created things are full of vicissitudes. Princes and emperors are subject to
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

All Manner of Precious Stones
Gerhard Ter Steegen Mal. iii. 17 There it is fair, Where thousand, thousand flames for evermore In God's high palace glow, No more they light the dark and misty shore, As long ago: They burn, a crown of every radiant stone, For ever and for ever round the throne, Christ's diadem. Eternal lamps that never can be dim, Fed by the golden oil that flows to them For ever from the Heart whence flowed the Blood, They shine with light of every precious gem, Light of the joy of God. Past, pain and sorrow,
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

They Shall He Mine, Saith the Lord. Mal 3:16-18

John Newton—Olney Hymns

The Fellowship of those who Fear the Lord. --Malachi iii. 16-18; iv. 1
The fellowship of those who fear the Lord.--Malachi iii. 16-18; iv. 1. When those who fear'd the Lord of old Met oft, and spoke with one accord, A book was written, and enroll'd Their faithful names before the Lord. They shall be mine, Jehovah said, And as a signet on my hand, A crown of glory for my head, Among my chosen jewels stand. And I will spare them in that day, Even as a father spares his son, When all the proud are swept away, The wicked, root and branch, undone. Then shall my righteousness
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

Whether this is True: "God was Made Man"?
Objection 1: It would seem that this is false: "God was made man." For since man signifies a substance, to be made man is to be made simply. But this is false: "God was made simply." Therefore this is false: "God was made man." Objection 2: Further, to be made man is to be changed. But God cannot be the subject of change, according to Malachi 3:6: "I am the Lord, and I change not." Hence this is false: "God was made man." Objection 3: Further, man as predicated of Christ stands for the Person of
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether it was Fitting for Christ to Ascend into Heaven?
Objection 1: It would seem that it was not fitting for Christ to ascend into heaven. For the Philosopher says (De Coelo ii) that "things which are in a state of perfection possess their good without movement." But Christ was in a state of perfection, since He is the Sovereign Good in respect of His Divine Nature, and sovereignly glorified in respect of His human nature. Consequently, He has His good without movement. But ascension is movement. Therefore it was not fitting for Christ to ascend. Objection
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether that Fire Will Engulf the Wicked?
Objection 1: It would seem that that fire will not engulf the wicked. For a gloss on Malachi 3:3, "He shall purify the sons of Levi," says that "it is a fire consuming the wicked and refining the good"; and a gloss on 1 Cor. 3:13, "Fire shall try every man's work," says: "We read that there will be a twofold fire, one that will cleanse the elect and will precede the judgment, another that will torture the wicked." Now the latter is the fire of hell that shall engulf the wicked, while the former is
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Sunday-School Hymns.
SHEPHERD OF TENDER YOUTH. [Greek: Stomion polon adaon] We are assured by repeated references in the patristic writings that the primitive years of the Christian Church were not only years of suffering but years of song. That the despised and often persecuted "Nazarenes," scattered in little colonies throughout the Roman Empire, did not forget to mingle tones of praise and rejoicing with their prayers could readily be believed from the much-quoted letter of a pagan lawyer, written about as long
Theron Brown—The Story of the Hymns and Tunes

In the Temple at the Feast of Tabernacles.
(October, a.d. 29.) ^D John VII. 11-52. ^d 11 The Jews therefore sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he? [It was now eighteen months since Jesus had visited Jerusalem, at which time he had healed the impotent man at Bethesda. His fame and prolonged obscurity made his enemies anxious for him to again expose himself in their midst. John here used the word "Jews" as a designation for the Jerusalemites, who, as enemies of Christ, were to be distinguished from the multitudes who were in doubt
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Never Changing One.
"JESUS Christ the same yesterday, and to-day and forever" (Heb. xiii:8). Blessed truth and precious assurance for us poor, weak creatures, yea, among all His creatures the most changing; He changeth not. "For I am the Lord, I change not" (Mal. iii:6). "Of old hast Thou laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Thy hands. They shall all perish, but Thou shalt endure: yea all of them shall wax old like a garment, as a vesture shalt Thou change them, and they shall be changed;
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

The Sinner Sentenced.
1, 2.The sinner called upon to hear his sentence.--3. God's law does now in general pronounce a curse.--4. It pronounces death.--5. And being turned into hell.--6. The judgement day shall come.--7, 8. The solemnity of that grand process described according to scriptural representations of it.--9. With a particular illustration of the sentence, "Depart, accursed," &c.--10. The execution wilt certainly and immediately follow.--11. The sinner warned to prepare for enduring it. The reflection of a sinner
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant
"I give thee for a covenant of the people."--ISA. xlii. 6, xlix. 8. "The Lord shall suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in."--MAL. iii. 1. "Jesus was made Surety of a better covenant."--HEB. vii. 22. "The Mediator of the Better Covenant, established upon better promises . . . The Mediator of the New Covenant. . . Ye are come to Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant."--HEB. viii. 6, ix. 15, xii. 24. WE have here four titles given to our Lord Jesus in
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants

Troubles of Lingering at the Crossing
TROUBLES OF LINGERING AT THE CROSSING Some time ago I consecrated to God for entire sanctification and thought I was sanctified. Then I began to doubting whether I was wholly sanctified; so I consecrated again. This I have done a number of times; in fact, so many times that I don't know what to do. Can you help me any in this difficulty? I am in doubts about my consecration. I am as consecrated as I know how to be, yet there is a feeling of unreality and uncertainty about it that is distressing,
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan

His Schools and Schoolmasters.
(LUKE 1.) "Oh to have watched thee through the vineyards wander, Pluck the ripe ears, and into evening roam!-- Followed, and known that in the twilight yonder Legions of angels shone about thy home!" F. W. H. MYERS. Home-Life--Preparing for his Life-Work--The Vow of Separation--A Child of the Desert Zacharias and Elisabeth had probably almost ceased to pray for a child, or to urge the matter. It seemed useless to pray further. There had been no heaven-sent sign to assure them that there was any
F. B. Meyer—John the Baptist

Whether God is Altogether Immutable?
Objection 1: It seems that God is not altogether immutable. For whatever moves itself is in some way mutable. But, as Augustine says (Gen. ad lit viii, 20), "The Creator Spirit moves Himself neither by time, nor by place." Therefore God is in some way mutable. Objection 2: Further, it is said of Wisdom, that "it is more mobile than all things active [Vulg.'mobilior']" (Wis. 7:24). But God is wisdom itself; therefore God is movable. Objection 3: Further, to approach and to recede signify movement.
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

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