Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?
Read it in contextRobbing God
Start reading at Malachi 3:6 (Malachi 3:6 to Malachi 3:12).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The answer to complaints about justice announces the messenger and purification and calls the people to return in their covenant obligations.
3:6For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
3:7Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?
3:8Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
3:9Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
3:10Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
3:11And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
3:12And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Malachi is the name traditionally given to the prophet. The Hebrew expression can also mean my messenger, so whether it is a personal name or designation is debated. Biblical references: Malachi 1:1. traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Malachi 3:1–4:6): The people are challenged about justice, giving, and their words against God. Those who fear the LORD are distinguished from the wicked, and Israel is called to remember Moses' law. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Israel's restored community, including priests and people whose worship, covenant conduct, and faithfulness are challenged. Biblical references: Malachi 1:1; Malachi 1:6; Malachi 2:1; Malachi 3:7. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Robbing God. Read Malachi 3:6 through Malachi 3:12 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The answer to complaints about justice announces the messenger and purification and calls the people to return in their covenant obligations. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The text reflects a functioning temple and refers to a governor, but it does not supply a royal year in its opening. A precise date is an inference from that setting. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The address is to Israel, with priests, temple offerings, households, and covenant life in view. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Robbing God (Malachi 3:6 to Malachi 3:12).
Start reading at Malachi 3:6. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The Gospels connect the promised messenger with John the Baptist's preparatory ministry. Read that connection with Malachi's concern for purification and covenant faithfulness. See Malachi 3:1, Matthew 11:10, Malachi 4:5, Luke 1:17. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Honor God in worship and deal faithfully with others. Commands and rebukes concerning priests, offerings, and tithes need their covenant setting stated before a modern application is drawn. interpretation
Cited: Malachi 3:6, Malachi 3:12, Malachi 3:1, Matthew 11:10, Malachi 4:5, Luke 1:17
Who wrote it, and how we know
MalachiNamed in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens as the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi. Malachi 1:1
Early traditionTradition names Malachi.
What is debatedThe name means my messenger, so a few have argued it is a title rather than a name.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Malachi 3
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Malachi addresses Israel through disputations concerning the LORD's love, worship, relationships, justice, and covenant faithfulness. Its named audience and temple setting remain important when applying its rebukes. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The answer to complaints about justice announces the messenger and purification and calls the people to return in their covenant obligations.
Connection to the wholeThe answer to complaints about justice announces the messenger and purification and calls the people to return in their covenant obligations.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The final dispute contrasts those who fear the LORD with the wicked and closes with the call to remember the law and the promise concerning Elijah.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Malachi
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Malachi addresses Israel through disputations concerning the LORD's love, worship, relationships, justice, and covenant faithfulness. Its named audience and temple setting remain important when applying its rebukes.
Connection to the wholeThe answer to complaints about justice announces the messenger and purification and calls the people to return in their covenant obligations.
Connection to the wholeThe final dispute contrasts those who fear the LORD with the wicked and closes with the call to remember the law and the promise concerning Elijah.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.