Malachi 3

1. My messenger. The Elijah of the gospel (iv. 5; Matt. xi. 14), John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, who came “in the spirit and power of Elijah.” On his ministry see Matt. iii.; xl. 7-19; Luke i. 13-17.

the messenger of the covenant. Or, “the Angel of the covenant.” On the application of the name “angel” to the Messiah, see Gen. xvi. 7; Judges ii. 1; Isa. lxiii. 9.

2 like a refiner’s fire, etc. Testing all, and separating the precious from the vile, especially among the ministers of the sanctuary (3): see Matt. iii. 7-12.

3. He shall sit. Giving the idea of watchful, sedulous attention.

4 as in the days of old. See ii. 4.

5 sorcerers, etc. The sins here mentioned were very prevalent among the Jews at this time: see Zech. v. 4; x. 2; Neh. v. 3-13; vi. 12-14.

6. Therefore. Lit., “And.” The unchangeableness of the Eternal is a ground of hope.

7 ye are gone away. It is you that have changed, not I. For “gone away” R.V. reads “turned aside.”

10. That there may be meat (food) in Mine house. For My sacrifices and My ministers.

11 the devourer. Locusts and other destructive animals. Cp. Joel i. 4; ii. 25.

16 a book of remembrance was written before Him. As a king records the services of his faithful subjects: cp. Esth. vi. 1; Psa. lxix. 28.

17 in that day, etc. Rather, as R.V. marg., “They shall be Mine . . . in the day that I do this, even a peculiar treasure.”