Malachi 3:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And now we call the arrogant blessed. Evildoers not only prosper but they put God to the test and they escape.’”

NIV: But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly evildoers prosper, and even when they put God to the test, they get away with it.''

NASB: So now we call the arrogant blessed; not only are the doers of wickedness built up, but they also put God to the test and escape punishment.’?'

CSB: So now we consider the arrogant to be fortunate. Not only do those who commit wickedness prosper, they even test God and escape."

NLT: From now on we will call the arrogant blessed. For those who do evil get rich, and those who dare God to punish them suffer no harm.’'

KJV: And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.

NKJV: So now we call the proud blessed, For those who do wickedness are raised up; They even tempt God and go free.’ ”

Malachi 2:17 presented a dangerous, hypocritical complaint against God. Namely, that He was not sufficiently punishing the wicked. God's response, in the earlier verses of chapter 3, was to warn Israel that judgment was, in fact, coming. And it was coming to Israel first. Verses 13 and 14 detailed one of Malachi's final accusations against Israel, which is that of blasphemy: speaking "harsh" words against God. These, and the attack here in verse 15, are similar to the criticisms of Malachi 2:17. Part of the suggestion being made is that God is not holding up His end of their covenant agreement.

Of course, the fact that God keeps His promises is the only reason Israel has survived long enough to make this complaint in the first place (Malachi 3:6). Neither the people, nor the priests, are obeying the commands of God (Malachi 1:7–8; 2:11–14; 3:8).

Israel has already been reminded that God has punished evil in the past (Malachi 1:2–5). He will purify His people at some point in the future (Malachi 3:2–4). And, according to the warning coming at the beginning of chapter 4, this judgment will be all-encompassing (Malachi 4:1).

Malachi 3:13—4:3 shows that even as the nation of Israel has been unfaithful, there are individuals among the people who are faithful. At the very least, they are willing to respond to God's correction. As a result, God promises to protect them from the upcoming wrath. This reckoning is described in dramatic, fiery terms. Part of the purpose of this particular judgment is to distinguish the wicked from the righteous. In this case, those who follow God will be healed and set free. Those who do not will be completely consumed.

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.