Malachi 3:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He charges them with being careless in their speech, complaining inappropriately, for He declares, “your words are burdensome to me.” He illustrates their grievance by stating, “For he that worketh in vanity is vanity to God,” implying there is no profit in trying to maintain “His keeping,” or the commandments of the law. They also futilely claim to be His “prayer-workers,” meaning they attempt to intercede through prayer for others. This accusation from God, who governs all things, rings true, yet it is crucial to understand what prompted such foolish talk among them. God ruled over many nations, but He chose Israel as His special people; they are referred to as His portion, inheritance, and heritage (Deuteronomy 32:9). After making Israel His own, He provided them with the law as guidance and enriched them through the prophets. How did Israel respond? In their folly, they worshipped the celestial bodies, served idols, and proclaimed to images, “You are our gods” (4 Kings 17:16). Rightfully incensed by such grave iniquity, the Almighty brought various forms of punishment upon them, calling them to repentance through famines, storms, loss of crops, plagues, and locusts. He aimed to discipline them firmly and lead them by both fear and mild corrective measures towards righteousness and love for the True God. Yet, as these gentle admonitions failed to resonate, and they remained steadfast in their wickedness, He sent them into exile under Babylon’s rule. However, through God’s grace, when they were called back to Judah, rebuilt their city, and restored the temple, they again grew negligent. They did not uphold their vows or adhere to the law regarding tithes and offerings, approaching sacrifice with reluctance, and offering sacrifices from the lame, the blind, and the sick. Despite their lawlessness, God refrained from punishing them with hunger and desolation. Instead, they, despite their potential for goodness and understanding what would truly benefit them, dared to level accusations against Him. Exposed to the prosperity of the surrounding Gentiles who, not worshipping God, but following after idols, they irrationally asserted that it was all in vain to serve the Creator, stating, “What more since we keep His keeping?” They lamented, “We, the lawgivers, experience hardship and discipline, having been taken captive though we have consistently served the Lord Almighty.” In contrast, they observed that those who disregard the law suffer neither punishment nor misfortune. Hence, they declared, “we bless the wicked,” while “those who commit iniquity prosper, resist God, and are saved.” Truly, the adversaries of God's glory are many, who, in their misguidedness, offer sacrifices to idols, proclaiming to wood and stone, “You are our gods” (Jer. 2:27). Those who fear the Lord articulate such matters. This is indeed an indictment of slander and a vivid demonstration of profound weakness; for it reveals the troubled mind of those who harbor enmity towards God, whose empty words spill forth from a drunken spirit. Yet, God does not overlook such speech lightly, listening intently to their utterances, confirming this by stating, “And the Lord hearkened, and heard,” since “the Spirit of the Lord fills the whole universe, encompasses all thoughts, and hears the voice” (Prem. 1:7). If any words are spoken against His divine splendor, it becomes a weighty burden for Him, who, although long-suffering, bears much. Thus, He proclaims, “your words are heavy upon Me.” Therefore, even in our trials—by which God seeks to sculpt us for our welfare—it is essential that we do not succumb to despair. We must not believe that the goodness of the Loving God ignores the righteous; rather, we should strive not to offend Him, seek His favor, and implore His grace. If sinners appear to prosper in this world while indulging in fleeting benefits, we might ascribe God's patience towards them to His divine providence, which transcends our understanding.

The Lord of hosts proclaims, ‘They shall be Mine in that day which I will bring forth, and I will show compassion on them, just as a father has compassion on his son who serves him. Then once more, you will observe the distinction between the righteous and the wicked... You shall tread upon the wicked, for they will be like ash beneath your feet in that day which I will establish, says the Lord of hosts’ (Malachi 3:17-4:3). This refers to the day of judgment.

When reading the LXX, it can be interpreted in a slightly different manner (ἐξαίρετον) and as a standalone statement, as translated: They said these things, those who feared the Lord, each to his neighbor—addressing those who offered empty accusations in their speech, questioning the value of keeping His commandments and lamenting their sorrowful demeanor before the Lord. Had they truly revered the Lord, such remarks would not have been made.

LXX: And the Lord heeded and listened, writing a book in His presence for those who fear Him and honor His name. He declares that on the day He prepares, they shall be His treasures, and He will choose, or set apart, them as a father distinguishes his faithful son. He will observe the contrast between the righteous and the unrighteous, as well as between those who serve God and those who do not. The Lord paid attention to the righteous who spoke in this manner, and to those who trembled before Him, engaging with one another and refusing to engage in blasphemous swearing. He listened to them, and a record was kept in His presence regarding those who respected Him and valued His name, ensuring that when the day of judgment arrives, He will render punishment to the blasphemers according to their deeds, while rewarding those who revered Him. This record is referenced in Daniel’s writings: Thrones were set up, and books were opened (Dan. 7:9). Those who fear the Lord will be treasured by Him on the day of judgment. In place of the term ‘patrimony,’ the Hebrew uses sgolla (סגולה), which Aquila translates as περιούσιον and others as περιποίησιν, denoting abundance and acquisition. Thus, those who fear the Lord, having engaged with one another against blasphemies, will be His possession on the day of reckoning, and He shall show them mercy; for every person is under sin, or He shall differentiate them as a father typically distinguishes his faithful son. In Him, there is a dual movement of the soul: a natural affection for his son and gratitude for his service. And you who currently blaspheme and ask, What profit is it that we have kept the commandments and walked sorrowfully before the Lord, will come to recognize your low state through their elevation and prosperity and, turning to repentance, will see the significant difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve the Lord and those who do not serve Him.