Malachi 4

⁷ In verses 4-5, the word covenant signifies a solemn agreement or promise. For further discussion, see Word List:Covenant.

⁸ In verse 5, the Lord says that He made a covenant of life and peace with Levi—that is, with the Levitical priesthood. This refers to the covenant of a lasting priesthood God made with the Levite Phinehas, Aaron’s grandson, and with his descendants (Numbers 25:10–13).

⁹ It is impossible to be in fellowship with God and, at the same time, to be out of fellowship with one’s brother. When we sin against a brother, we sin against God (see 1 John 1:6–7; 2:9–11; 4:7–8,11–12).

¹⁰ People who divorce their spouses without biblically sanctioned cause are sinning not only against their spouse but also against God. Marriage is a covenant. Just as God has been faithful to keep His covenant with His people—in spite of their imperfections and rebellion—so He expects us to keep our covenant with our spouse. A covenant implies loyalty and commitment, no matter what. God says: ”I hate divorce” (verse 16). For further discussion, see General Article:Christian Marriage, in The Applied New Testament Commentary.

¹¹ Both Matthew and Mark quote Malachi 3:1. Note, however, that Mark quotes Malachi 3:1 together with Isaiah 40:3, but only mentions Isaiah as a source (see Mark 1:2–3).

¹² In verses 3–4, Malachi says that God will purify the Levites and that they will bring Him offerings as in days gone by. This does not mean that the Old Testament sacrificial system will continue after Christ comes (see Hebrews 10:1–18); rather, the purification that Malachi describes here symbolizes the purified church, where believers bring their offerings of worship, service and resources to the Lord. When offerings are brought with a pure heart, then they will be acceptable to the Lord.

¹³ For what it means to repent, see Word List:Repentance.

¹⁴ A tithe is a tenth of one’s income (see Leviticus 27:30–33). In addition to the tithe, a believer should bring voluntary or freewill offerings to the Lord. We are called to excel in this grace of giving (2 Corinthians 8:7).

¹⁵ There must be many churches that are “under a curse” today; the budgets of most churches are far less than ten percent of their members’ incomes.

¹⁶ For what it means to “fear the Lord,” see footnote to comment on Genesis 20:8–13; Deuteronomy 6:1–3 and comment.

¹⁷ For a discussion concerning the day of the LORD, see Joel 1:15; 2:28–32 and comments.

¹⁸ For further discussion of the law and its relation to Christians, see Exodus 20:1–2; Leviticus 11:1,44–45; 15:1 and comments; Word List: Law; General Article: The Purpose of the Mosaic Law.

¹⁹ For further discussion concerning Old Testament characters who prefigure or typify New Testament characters, see General Article:Types and Predictive Events.