Verse 1
Behold, I will send, &c. = Behold Me sending, &c. Quoted in Matthew 11:10. Mark 1:2. Luke 1:76; Luke 7:27. Not to that then present generation, but to the "generation" of our Lord"s day. See note on Matthew 11:18. This is the answer to the question "Where? "in Malachi 2:17.
My messenger. John the Baptist (Matthew 3:3; Matthew 3:11, Matthew 3:10. Mark 1:2, Mark 1:3. Luke 1:76; Luke 3:4; Luke 7:26, Luke 7:27, John 1:23). Compare Matthew 22:2, Matthew 22:3. Isaiah 40:3-5.
prepare. By removing obstacles from the way. Compare Isaiah 40:3; Isaiah 62:10.
the Lord. Hebrew. ha-Adon. App-4. This refers to Messiah. Ref to Pentateuch (Exodus 23:20, Exodus 33:14, Exodus 33:16). App-92.
suddenly = unexpectedly.
behold Figure of speech Asterismos (App-6), for emphasis.
said = hath said.
the Lord of hosts. See note on Malachi 1:4.
Verse 2
who may abide. ? Compare Joel 2:11. Figure.
abide = endure
soap = lye; as in Job 9:30, i.e. water mixed with the ashes of certain plants containing alkali. Compare Mark 9:3.
Verse 3
He shall purify. Judgment begins at the house of God. See 1 Peter 4:17.
offer = bring near.
offering = a gift offering. Hebrew. minchah. Not the same word as in Malachi 3:8.
Verse 4
Then. When Jehovah shall have sent His messenger (Messiah), and He is accepted.
Verse 5
I will be, &c. Compare Micah 1:2.
the sorcerers. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 22:18. Deuteronomy 18:10).
adulterers. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 20:14. Leviticus 20:10).
oppress, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 22:21. Deuteronomy 24:14) App-92.
fear = revere.
Verse 6
For I change not. Reference to Pent (Numbers 23:19) App-92. Not in Himself, nor in His purpose, to change His dealings on the conditions stated.
Verse 7
ordinances = statutes. Hebrew, hok. Referring to particular ritual observances. Not the same word as in Malachi 3:14.
Verse 8
man. Hebrew "adam. App-14.
rob = defraud. A rare word. Occurs only here, in Malachi 3:8, Malachi 3:9; and Proverbs 22:23.
God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.
have robbed = are defrauding.
tithes. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 27:30-33. Numbers 18:21-32. Deuteronomy 12:17, &c.; Malachi 14:22-29). App-92.
offerings = heave offerings. Literally, in the tithe and the heave offering. Hebrew. trumah. App-43. Not the same word as in verses: Malachi 3:3, Malachi 3:4, Malachi 3:10, Malachi 1:11, Malachi 1:13; Malachi 2:12, Malachi 2:13.
Verse 9
are cursed with a curse. The primitive text read, "ye have cursed Me with a curse". The Sopherlm say (App-33) that they altered the letter, (Mem = M) into; (Nun = N), thus making it passive instead of active, and detaching it from the rest of the sentence. This was done to avoid a supposed irreverence.
this whole nation = the nation, the whole of it.
Verse 10
all = the whole; implying that a part had been withheld.
meat prey: i.e. animals for sacrifice. Not put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6, for food; but put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Species), App-6, for sacrificial animals.
open you the windows, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Genesis 7:11; Genesis 8:2). App-92.
pour you out = empty you oat.
Verse 11
the devourer = the eater: i.e. the locust. Compare Joel 1:4. Amos 4:9.
for your sakes = for you (the Dative of Reference),
Verse 12
a delightsome land. Compare Isaiah 62:4. Daniel 8:9.
Verse 13
stout = hard, or bold.
Verse 14
ordiance = charge. Hebrew. mizvah. Not the same word as in Malachi 3:7. Referring to general religious duties.
walked mournfully before = gone off mournfully from the presence of Jehovah of hosts.
Verse 15
And now. Compare Malachi 1:9, Malachi 2:1.
are set up = prosper, or are successful. Lit are built up. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6, for being prospered. Compare Job 22:23. Jeremiah 12:16.
yea = yea, [they, proud ones]. Marking a climax.
tempt = have tempted. Same as "prove" in Malachi 3:10; but here in a bad sense, as though to challenge or to put to the proof.
Verse 16
Then: i.e. when Malachi had spoken thus unto them, at a time of such apostasy, show us what is possible and practicable in these like days and "perilous times" which are closing this present Dispensation.
feared = revered.
spake. As in Malachi 3:13.
one to another. Each one with his friend.
and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton, App-6.
hearkened, and heard. As He heard the groaning of Israel (Exodus 2:23, Exodus 2:24); Moses, without words (Exodus 14:15); and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:4); Hannah, without words (1 Samuel 1:13); Jeremiah, his breathing (Lamentations 3:55, Lamentations 3:56); Jonah, when dying (Jonah 2:2); the disciples, their thoughts (Luke 24:15, Luke 24:38).
and a book of remembrance. Some codices, with Syriac, read "a record was written in a book of remembrance". remembrance. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 28:29. Numbers 10:10, the same word). App-92.
thought. Precious comfort for those now who cannot speak. We can walk with God (like Enoch, in the darkest days), and think of Him with these God-reverers now, in these similar days.
Verse 17
I make up, &c = I am preparing.
My jewels = A peculiar treasure.