Mal 3:13 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Mal 3:13-4:3: 3:13–4:3 Malachi’s final message contains two distinct but related speeches, the first emphasizing service to the Lord (3:13-18 ) and the second contrasting the fate of the wicked with that of the righteous (4:1-3 ). Each speech concludes with the messenger formula (see study note on 1:8). The prophet revisits themes from the fourth message (3:1-5 ) as he reiterates God’s desire for honesty and faithfulness in worship in view of coming judgment on the day of the Lord. If Malachi is a courtroom drama, this last disputation is the sentencing. While wickedness seems to triumph over righteousness and God seems delinquent in judging sin in the community, the coming day of the Lord will vindicate God’s justice as the wicked are separated from the righteous by the fire of God’s judgment. 3:13 You have said terrible things about me: The people had accused God of favoring evildoers and had openly questioned his justice (see 2:17 ), but the Lord loves justice (Pss 9:16 ; 37:28 ).

a3:13–4:3►

b3:13-18►

c4:1-3►

d3:1-5►

e3:13►

f2:17►

gPss 9:16►

h37:28►

‏ Malachi 3:13

Summary for Mal 3:13-4:3: 3:13–4:3 ^a Malachi’s final message contains two distinct but related speeches, the first emphasizing service to the Lord (3:13-18 ^b) and the second contrasting the fate of the wicked with that of the righteous (4:1-3 ^c). Each speech concludes with the messenger formula (see study note on 1:8). The prophet revisits themes from the fourth message (3:1-5 ^d) as he reiterates God’s desire for honesty and faithfulness in worship in view of coming judgment on the day of the Lord. If Malachi is a courtroom drama, this last disputation is the sentencing. While wickedness seems to triumph over righteousness and God seems delinquent in judging sin in the community, the coming day of the Lord will vindicate God’s justice as the wicked are separated from the righteous by the fire of God’s judgment. 3:13 ^e You have said terrible things about me: The people had accused God of favoring evildoers and had openly questioned his justice (see 2:17 ^f), but the Lord loves justice (Pss 9:16 ^g; 37:28 ^h).