(397 B.C.?) [A Burden to Israel, now returned from captivity 100+ years, growing idle and less obedient while awaiting the Messiah.] Malachi opens with God's reproof to the people. They question Him at every turn, wondering what His love has done for them lately. He reminds them of the lesson of Jacob and Esau and how He loved Jacob. Now, because they neither give Him honor as a father, nor fear as a master, He is neither to them. They give to Him the unclean, unacceptable, throwaway offerings which bring Him no pleasure. They have more regard for their Earthly governor than Him! He will refuse them and make His name great among the Gentiles; then they will see! Their religious worship is dreadfully lacking; in fact, He is more feared among the heathen.

A message to the priests. He commands and warns them to give Him glory from their heart, or a curse, already evident, will be upon their blessing. Their seed will be corrupted and brought to shame. He reminds them of His covenant with their father, Levi, a just man who feared Him and taught His ways, leading the people from their iniquity in his day. Be as him, or suffer the consequences! But they had corrupted the Law, causing many to stumble, partial in their ways. Their mixed marriages with the heathen are abhorred, consequently, their judgment will come. Husbands are to honor the wives of their youth, Jewish women, that a pure seed would follow. (They were putting away their Jewish wives in lieu of marriage to women of other nations, having children who could not even speak their Hebrew language. See Neh.13:23,24.) God is wearied of their continual sin, constant complaints, and surly skepticism developing in His delay!

He answers. He will come when least expected; who will stand up to Him then? They will all melt when His messenger appears, refined in His fire, then their offerings will be acceptable. Those who failed to obtain and exercise Pure Religion will be judged. He never changes. (Amen!) An invitation for pardon. They have robbed Him by withholding His tithes. He challenges them to try Him in giving. He will multiply the fruit of the obedient, protecting it from its detestable destroying scourge. His goodness will be seen before all the nations, and they will be called, Blessed. He keeps record of those who fear Him and those who despise Him, he that serves Him and he who doesn't.

Subsequently, when His Day of Judgment comes, and it will come, the recorded wicked will burn as stubble; but for those who fear Him, a savior, a great Physician, and together they will tread upon the wicked. A call to remembrance of the Law of Moses -- to observe it. A promise of a future prophet on the order of Elijah to turn their hearts, before His great and dreadful day when He brings a curse upon the Earth.