We observe that the prophet Malachi is equivalent to the priest Ezra, since all that is chronicled by Ezra is also found in the scroll we are interpreting in the book of Malachi. In the era of Ezra and Nehemiah, who were contemporaries, there was a severe famine, prompting the needy populace to sell their sons and daughters and all their possessions to survive. Ultimately, they said, Our offspring are too many; let us purchase their bread for survival. Some suggested, Let us also sell our fields and vineyards, and then we will have sustenance in this time of famine. Ezra expressed his anger, as recorded in Nehemiah 5:2 and following. In this period of famine, when basic necessities were exorbitantly priced, many—including those with little and those with abundant produce—chose not to pay tithes to the Levites, who lacked land in Judah and whose sustenance depended on tithes and first fruits.
To illustrate our point, let us call upon Ezra as a witness: I learned, he says, that the portions due to the Levites were neglected, leading them to return to their cities, including the singers and those who served in the temple. I raised a complaint against the leaders, asking, Why have we forsaken the house of God? I gathered them back to their place of duty. All Judah brought their tithes of grain, wine, and oil into the storehouses, and we appointed Selemiah the priest and Sadoq the scribe to supervise the storehouse, as noted in Nehemiah 13:10 and following.
Having reviewed Ezra's narrative, let us now focus on the prophet's words and consider their alignment with his message. When the Lord calls, Turn to me, and I will turn to you, it is clear He is urging those who have strayed from Him to return. Notice the Lord's mercy: He promises to reciprocate their actions, as reflected in Matthew 7:2, where it is said, For in the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Just as it is written in Leviticus, If you act corruptly against Me, I will act against you in fierce anger (Leviticus 26:27, 28), the Lord encourages the people to return to Him so that He, in turn, may return to them. They, however, unaware of their departure, brazenly ask, In what way shall we return? In their questioning, they trivialize the seriousness of their apostasy, asking what it would take for them to return to Him.
To this, the Lord poses the question, Does one deceive God? The Hebrew term haiecba (היקבע), rendered by the LXX as “deceives,” suggests that they have fallen short in their offerings. The implication is clear: Do you misunderstand that you are deceiving Me? According to the events of their past, when the people withheld tithes and first fruits from the Levites, the Lord Himself felt deceived, as His servants had to abandon the temple due to need.
If individuals visit and care for the Lord in the guise of the less fortunate—attending to the hungry, thirsty, or sick—then surely in neglecting His servants, they neglect Him as well. The lack of offerings denies Him what is rightfully due as mandated by Moses (Exodus 23:14-20). This discussion aims to reveal the complexity of their actions, allowing readers to discern deeper meanings and reflect on their implications.
The essence of the Lord’s words about tithes and first fruits remains consistent. Since you have withheld from Me what is rightfully Mine and have robbed Me, you shall find yourselves enduring curse and deprivation. The word translated "people" in the Hebrew can also signify "year," and the Seventy translated it as "ἔτος," not "ἔθνος." The passage means that the year has ended, yet you have offered nothing into My storehouses. In effect, your refusal to bring your tithes has resulted in the loss of all your prosperity.
To make clear the reason behind your hardships, I call upon you to gather your tithes into the temple treasuries to ensure the sustenance of those who serve Me. Test Me in this, and you will witness the abundance of blessings as if the very heavens are opened. I will provide you with such blessings that they will overflow. This abundance signifies generosity gifted by the Lord.
It is possible that despite generous rains, pests such as locusts and worms might devastate your harvest. Therefore, He instructs: I will protect your crops from destruction, and your harvest will be so plentiful that neighboring nations will marvel at your land’s fertility, desiring to dwell within it as a testament to abundance.
Addressing the tithes and first fruits given by the people to the priests and Levites, we also recognize a parallel concerning the congregation. They are called to offer not merely tithes and first fruits, but to sell their possessions, giving to the needy and following Christ (Matthew 19:21 and Mark 10:21). Even if we cannot fully emulate their complete selflessness, we should strive to support the poor and honor the priests and leaders.
The Apostle reminds us to honor true widows (1 Tim. 5:3) and to give appropriate respect to elders, especially those dedicated to preaching God’s word. Conversely, neglecting this duty leads to divine judgment, with those who fail to give being condemned to poverty. Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously (2 Cor. 9:6).
In times of famine or lack, recognize this as a consequence of God's displeasure, for He reveals that through the needy who do not receive alms, He is deceived and deprived of what is His. Considerations surrounding tithes and first fruits hinge on understanding that those endowed with wisdom from the law of God must attribute their blessings to Him first, offering gratitude to God and to those who have instructed them. Failing to do so results in a curse of poverty.
In contrast, recognizing God’s generosity and expressing gratitude while using what He has provided to serve His church leads to spiritual abundance. The heavens will pour out blessings upon such individuals, and peace will be upon their endeavors, fulfilling the promise that those who herald truth will be recognized (Ecclesiasticus = Sir. 25:12). They will lift their gaze and see a harvest ripe and ready (John 4:35), gathering fruit for eternal life. The Vinedresser proclaims: I am the vine (John 15:1), and through the prophet declares: I have planted you a fruitful vine, true and pure (Jeremiah 2:21). Through humility and acknowledgment of God's providence, those who are faithful will experience a flourishing life, leading nations to call them blessed and join them in the embrace of their teachings.
THEOSIS