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.