Malachi 3:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap.

NIV: But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap.

NASB: But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire, and like launderer’s soap.

CSB: But who can endure the day of his coming? And who will be able to stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire and like launderer's bleach.

NLT: But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes.

KJV: But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:

NKJV: “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire And like launderers’ soap.

Israel's complaint about God's judgment (Malachi 2:17) is short-sighted. Worse, it's hypocritical. God's judgment is powerful, and applies to all people, not merely "other people," as Israel seems to think. This verse asks a rhetorical question about who, among men, can withstand the judgment of God. The assumed answer, of course, is that no one can.

Two analogies are used here to describe God's judgment. Precious metals are refined using fire. Materials like gold and silver melt, but don't burn, at temperatures where other materials burst into flames. Heating these metals destroys impurities, leaving only the pure alloy. God's judgment is often symbolized by fire for this reason (Malachi 4:1).

Various translations of the Hebrew term bo'rit mekabbesim all include the same basic idea: cleansing. The reference is to a form of lye, or potash, an extremely strong soap. This is the kind of material used to dissolve impurities and bleach clothes. Just as the refiner's fire removes what is impure, destroying what's undesirable, so too does this "fullers' soap" wash away stains and spots.

Verse 3 will remind readers that God's first priority for purification will be the priesthood (Malachi 2:3–4).

Malachi 2:17—3:6 presents a dangerous accusation from Israel against God, and His sobering response. Israel accuses God of letting the wicked prosper and for not enacting enough justice in the world. God's reply reminds Israel, and us, that the first sin we need to be aware of is our own. God promises to send a messenger, preparing the way for Him. God also predicts the day when He will ''draw near'' for judgment. This uses metaphors including fire and powerful cleaning substances. In short, judgment is coming—to everyone.

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.