Malachi 3:5
"Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me," says the LORD of Hosts.
Then I will draw near to you for judgment
This phrase indicates a divine promise of God's imminent action. The Hebrew root for "draw near" is "qarab," which conveys the idea of approaching or coming close. In the context of Malachi, this signifies God's active involvement in the affairs of His people, particularly in executing justice. Historically, this reflects the period post-exile when the Israelites were struggling with faithfulness, and God assures them of His presence and forthcoming judgment.

I will be a swift witness
The term "swift" in Hebrew is "maher," suggesting promptness and urgency. God is not delayed in His response to injustice. The word "witness" (Hebrew: "ed") implies a legal connotation, where God Himself testifies against the wrongdoers. This underscores His role as both judge and witness, emphasizing His omniscience and the certainty of His judgments.

against sorcerers
"Sorcerers" refers to those who practice witchcraft or divination, condemned in the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). The Hebrew word "kashaph" is used here, highlighting practices that seek to manipulate spiritual forces contrary to God's will. This reflects the historical context where such practices were prevalent and led people away from true worship.

adulterers
Adultery, from the Hebrew "na'aph," is not only a breach of marital fidelity but also symbolizes unfaithfulness to God. In the prophetic literature, adultery often metaphorically represents idolatry. This highlights the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where faithfulness is paramount.

and perjurers
The term "perjurers" refers to those who swear falsely, violating the commandment against bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16). The Hebrew "shaba" means to swear an oath, and breaking it undermines trust and justice. This reflects the societal decay where truth is compromised, and God stands against such deceit.

against oppressors of the widows and the fatherless
Widows and orphans were particularly vulnerable in ancient society, and God's law repeatedly commands their protection (Exodus 22:22-24). The Hebrew "ashaq" means to oppress or exploit, and this phrase underscores God's concern for justice and care for the marginalized, reflecting His compassionate nature.

and the deprivers of justice to the foreigners
Foreigners, or "ger" in Hebrew, were often marginalized. God's law provided for their fair treatment (Leviticus 19:33-34). "Deprivers of justice" indicates those who deny rightful treatment, highlighting a societal failure to uphold God's standards of equity and compassion.

but do not fear Me,”
The phrase "do not fear Me" points to a lack of reverence and awe for God, which is foundational to wisdom and obedience (Proverbs 9:10). The Hebrew "yare" conveys both fear and reverence. This lack of fear leads to moral and spiritual decay, as people act without regard for divine authority.

says the LORD of Hosts
The title "LORD of Hosts" (Hebrew: "Yahweh Sabaoth") emphasizes God's sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies. It reassures the faithful of His power and authority to execute judgment and deliver justice. This title is a reminder of God's ultimate control and the assurance that His purposes will prevail.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Malachi
The prophet through whom God delivers His message to the Israelites. His name means "my messenger" in Hebrew.

2. The LORD of Hosts
A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies.

3. Sorcerers, Adulterers, Perjurers
Individuals who engage in practices and behaviors contrary to God's laws.

4. Oppressors of the Widows and the Fatherless
Those who exploit or neglect the vulnerable members of society.

5. Defrauders of Laborers and Justice Deniers
People who withhold fair wages and deny justice, particularly to foreigners.
Teaching Points
God's Justice is Swift and Certain
God promises to be a swift witness against those who commit injustices. This serves as a reminder that God's judgment is inevitable and righteous.

Fear of the Lord as a Deterrent to Sin
The lack of fear of God is highlighted as a root cause of the sins listed. Cultivating a reverent fear of the Lord can deter us from engaging in such behaviors.

Social Justice as a Divine Mandate
The passage underscores God's concern for social justice, particularly for the marginalized. Christians are called to reflect God's heart by advocating for and protecting the vulnerable.

Integrity in Personal and Professional Life
The condemnation of perjury and defrauding laborers emphasizes the importance of honesty and fairness in all areas of life.

Repentance and Restoration
Recognizing these sins in our lives should lead to repentance and a commitment to align our actions with God's standards.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the character of God as the "LORD of Hosts" influence our view of His judgment in Malachi 3:5?

2. In what ways can we actively support and protect the widows, fatherless, and foreigners in our communities today?

3. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced injustice. How can Malachi 3:5 guide your response to such situations?

4. How does the fear of the Lord serve as a foundation for living a life of integrity and justice?

5. What steps can you take to ensure that your personal and professional dealings reflect the fairness and honesty God desires?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 22:22-24
This passage warns against mistreating widows and orphans, echoing the themes of justice and care for the vulnerable found in Malachi 3:5.

James 5:4
This verse speaks against withholding wages from laborers, similar to the condemnation in Malachi 3:5.

Deuteronomy 10:18
Highlights God's justice and care for the fatherless and widows, reinforcing the call to protect the vulnerable.

Proverbs 6:16-19
Lists things the Lord hates, including lying and shedding innocent blood, which relate to the sins mentioned in Malachi 3:5.

Isaiah 1:17
Encourages seeking justice and defending the oppressed, aligning with the call to righteousness in Malachi 3:5.
A Divine ThreateningW. Osborne Lilley.Malachi 3:5
God's Law of JudgmentCharles Gore.Malachi 3:5
Messiah's Relation to Society SinsR. Tuck Malachi 3:5
Christ's ComingJ. Jowett, M. A.Malachi 3:1-6
Did Jesus Come AgainCanon Charles Kingsley.Malachi 3:1-6
England's Ideal Future, and Our Duty with Regard to ItA. J. Griffith.Malachi 3:1-6
Messiah and His ForerunnerHenry Melvill, B. D.Malachi 3:1-6
Messiah's MessengerSermons by Monday ClubMalachi 3:1-6
My MessengerThe ThinkerMalachi 3:1-6
Purifying Through the Lord's ComingS. C. Kapff.Malachi 3:1-6
The Advent of ChristG. Preston.Malachi 3:1-6
The Appearance of the Great DelivererBishop Horsley.Malachi 3:1-6
The Coming of MessiahWilliam Jay.Malachi 3:1-6
The Lord Coming to His TempleC. Bradley, M. A.Malachi 3:1-6
The Lord's Coming to His TempleStephen Jenner, M. A.Malachi 3:1-6
The Messenger of the Covenant Delighted InHon. and Rev. B. W. Nod, M. A.Malachi 3:1-6
The World of SinnersD. Thomas Malachi 3:5, 6
People
Jacob, Levi, Levites, Malachi
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Adulterers, Alien, Aliens, Almighty, Armies, Aside, Child, Defraud, Deprive, Draw, Drawn, Earner, Falsehood, Falsely, Fatherless, Fear, Foreigner, Haste, Hire, Hired, Hireling, Hosts, Judging, Judgment, Justice, Laborers, Making, Married, Oaths, Oppress, Oppressors, Orphan, Payment, Perjurers, Quick, Quickly, Rights, Says, Servant, Sojourner, Sorcerers, Strange, Stranger, Swear, Swearers, Swift, Testify, Thrust, Turn, Turning, Untrue, Wage, Wages, Widow, Widows, Witness, Wonder-workers
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Malachi 3:5

     1125   God, righteousness
     4155   divination
     5350   injustice, hated by God
     5360   justice, God
     5361   justice, human
     5404   masters
     5414   money, stewardship
     5440   perjury
     5448   poverty, attitudes to
     5522   servants, work conditions
     5561   suffering, nature of
     5562   suffering, innocent
     5603   wages
     5730   orphans
     5743   widows
     6237   sexual sin, nature of
     6242   adultery
     8242   ethics, personal
     8791   oppression, nature of
     8810   riches, dangers

Malachi 3:2-5

     1025   God, anger of
     8786   opposition, to sin and evil

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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