Malachi 3:6-12
Summary for Mal 3:6-12: 3:6-12 a Malachi’s fifth message echoes the first (1:2-5 b) by emphasizing God’s faithfulness to his promises. He calls Israel to a similar faithfulness in worship, especially in giving their tithes and offerings. If Malachi is a courtroom drama, the fifth message is the judge’s verdict. The real message is repentance—God wants honest and sincere worship from his people, of which tithing is a symbol.3:7 c In the context of covenant relationship, return expresses a change of loyalty on the part of Israel or God. Typically, the term is understood as repentance, a complete change of direction back to God or a total reorientation toward the Lord. The imperative verb conveys urgency and demands an immediate response from the audience. The indictment of insincere worship builds on similar charges in the second disputation (see 1:6-14 d), just as God’s promise to “open the windows of heaven” (3:10 e) affirms his power as “a great king” (see 1:14 f).
Summary for Mal 3:8-9: 3:8-9 g Malachi appeals to Judah for a comprehensive renewal of their practice of giving to the Lord.
• Tithes, a tenth of the produce of the land, were required offerings (see Deut 12:6 h, 11 i, 17 j). Offerings were additional gifts or contributions made to the Lord or his sanctuary that included produce, material goods (such as construction materials or garments), or personal valuables (such as gold, silver, or precious stones).
• Judah’s recent experience resulted from God’s curse (see Deut 28:20 k, 27 l). Malachi thus urgently called the community to repent, turn to the Lord, and do what the covenant required.
3:10 m Put me to the test! The divine invitation to test the Lord offers the restoration community an opportunity to prove his faithfulness to his covenant promises.
3:12 n all nations will call you blessed: Abundant yields of produce would once again show the world the Lord’s favor toward Israel.
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