Malachi 3:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the LORD of hosts.

NIV: Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,' says the LORD Almighty.

NASB: All the nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land,' says the Lord of armies.

CSB: "Then all the nations will consider you fortunate, for you will be a delightful land," says the Lord of Armies.

NLT: Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,' says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

KJV: And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.

NKJV: “And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land,” Says the Lord of hosts.

The end result of Israel's obedience (Malachi 3:10–11) will be prosperity so obvious that the Gentile world will be taken aback. This is an important incentive at this particular point in Israel's history. The Jewish people are rebuilding their homeland, but are still under the control of Babylon (Malachi 1:8). They are spiritually frustrated and bitter over what they see as a lack of justice being done to the wicked people in the world (Malachi 2:17). This verse points out that following God's will is the surest way to restore their fortune and their reputation.

Part of the context of this promise is the Mosaic covenant between Israel and God. The guarantee of blessing, like the threat of punishment, is targeted at Israel in particular, not the world in general. The overall concept of "reaping what you sow" is certainly valid for the Christian believer today (2 Corinthians 9:6–12). However, God does not guarantee material wealth, or health, or success, to those who follow Him. God's true treasures are heavenly (Matthew 6:20), not material.

This verse marks the mid-point of Malachi's third and final message to Israel. The remainder of the book will be a direct condemnation of Israel's blasphemous attitude and a plea from God for His chosen people to turn back to Him.

Malachi 3:7–12 is both a reminder and an encouragement to Israel. God's covenant through Moses included positive promises, in response to obedience. However, it also included negative consequences, in response to defiance. Israel has been ''robbing'' God by failing to pay His tithes. Israel's lack of success, in this case, is partly because of their own disobedience. Even so, God promises to restore Israel's fortunes if they will be faithful. Though often mis-applied, these requirements and promises are meant only for Israel, not all believers at all times.

The final message, completed in chapter 4, is an appeal for God's chosen people to return. God would prefer to see them redeemed, than to be destroyed, when the end finally comes. This passage includes God's promise to send a messenger heralding the Messiah. And, that the Promised One will someday rule and conquer the wicked. In the meantime, Israel must stop ''robbing'' Him by withholding His tithes and offerings. Only God's unchanging nature has kept Israel from destruction. At the same time, God will remember those who have been faithful during these faithless times.

Malachi's first message, to the priests, ended in chapter 2. The prophecy then shifts to accuse Israel of unfaithfulness across chapter 2 and the beginning of chapter 3. The final message covers the last half of chapter 3 and all of the short fourth chapter. This last warning is centered on Israel's failure to pay God His tithes and offerings, as well as a promise to send Messiah to judge all sin.

Malachi is the last message of prophecy given to Israel prior to 400 years of silence. Israel has rebuilt the temple, following the invasions of Babylon, but they are still under foreign oppression. Israel's spiritual condition, however, is dire. Hosea depicted Israel as prone to failure, but repentant. Later, Ezekiel exposed Israel's blatant disobedience. By the time of Malachi, Israel has passed into numbness and apathy. Unlike other Old Testament prophets, Malachi takes the form of a dialogue, where Israel responds to accusations as if unaware that they've occurred. The next prophetic voice from God would not come until the ministry of John the Baptist.