Malachi 3:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

To illustrate the contrast between the eternal joy of the New Covenant, bestowed solely upon the righteous, and the fleeting benefits of the Old Covenant, often granted to the unrighteous, the prophet proclaims, ‘Your words are bold against me, says the Lord. You declare, ‘The service of God is futile, and what gain is there in observing His statutes and mourning in sackcloth before the Lord of hosts? Yet those who revere God will encourage one another, saying, ‘The Lord hears these matters, and a record of remembrance is inscribed before Him for those who honor the Lord and uphold His name’ (Malachi 3:13-16). This record refers to the New Testament.

And they shall belong to Me, says the Lord Almighty, on that day I prepare anew, and I will select them, distinguishing them as a father chooses his serving son. Consider the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not. The Lord paid attention to the righteous who spoke this and to those who revered God, each one with his companion, who refused to speak or listen to blasphemous oaths, and He took note of them; a record was inscribed in His presence for those who honored Him and revered His name. When the day of reckoning arrives, He will bring judgment upon those who blasphemed, punishing them according to their deeds, while rewarding those who feared Him.

On the day of judgment, I will regard them with special favor: 'And I will select as a man selects his deserving son. Just as a father shows kindness to a benevolent child and favors him; I will show preference to them over the ungrateful and those who conspire against them. However, the term 'I will choose' is rendered by Aquila as 'I will spare them, like a man spares his son.'

The Lord continues to confront the Jews regarding their unjust accusations, claiming that those who commit wrongdoing are viewed as good in His eyes, and that serving Him is futile (Malachi 3:17; Malachi 4:14-15). He promises that a day will come when they will recognize their own injustice and understand that He does not equate the righteous with the unrighteous. When will this realization occur? It will be on the day when I provide for those who love Me. The concept of provision signifies a treasured inheritance or ownership. The Lord guarantees that those who love Him, and demonstrate their love by adhering to His commandments, will be granted a special status as His treasured possession. Those who cherish Him will receive this esteemed honor, akin to how a devoted owner treasures their possessions. Therefore, it is futile for them to accuse Him of favoritism or leniency towards the lawless.