“"Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts."”
Malachi 3:1
Summary
Malachi 3 begins with God's promise of a messenger who will prepare the way before Him, pointing to the coming of the Lord to His temple. It speaks of the purification process, comparing it to a refiner's fire and a fuller's soap, to cleanse and purify the people. Israel's unfaithfulness in tithing is addressed, urging them to bring the full tithe, with a promise of abundant blessings if they do. Finally, the chapter contrasts the fate of the wicked with the reward of God-fearing people, promising that those who fear the Lord will be His treasured possession.