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{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary : Malachi |
subtopics = The Prophet [[Text:EBD:Malachi|Malachi]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[Text:EBD:Malachi|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on Malachi]] |
}}
Read the [[Book of Malachi]] from the [[Holy Bible|Bible]]
{{chapters}}
[[Malachi 1|1]]
[[Malachi 2|2]]
[[Malachi 3|3]]
[[Malachi 4|4]]
==Commentary==
[[Text:MHC Concise Malachi 1|1]]
[[Text:MHC Concise Malachi 2|2]]
[[Text:MHC Concise Malachi 3|3]]
[[Text:MHC Concise Malachi 4|4]]
{{mhc import}}
'''Commentary on the [[Book of Malachi]]'''
Malachi was the last of the prophets, and is supposed to have prophesied B.C. 420. He reproves the priests and the people for the evil practices into which they had fallen, and invites them to [[Repentance|repentance]] and reformation, with promises of the blessings to be bestowed at the coming of the [[Messiah]]. And now that prophecy was to cease, he speaks clearly of the [[Messiah]], as nigh at hand, and directs the people of [[God]] to keep in rememberance the law of [[Moses]], while they were in expectation of the [[gospel]] of [[Christ]].
----
'''Chapter''' 1
''Chapter Outline''
The ingratitude of [[Israel]].
(1-5)
They are careless in [[God]]'s institutions.
(6-14)
'''Verses''' 1-5
All advantages, either as to outward circumstances, or spiritual privileges, come from the free [[love]] of [[God]], who makes one to differ from another. All the evils sinners feel and fear, are the just recompence of their crimes, while all their hopes and comforts are from the unmerited [[mercy]] of the [[Lord]]. He chose his people that they might be holy. If we [[love]] him, it is because he has first loved us; yet we all are prone to undervalue the mercies of [[God]], and to excuse our own offences.
'''Verses''' 6-14
We may each charge upon ourselves what is here charged upon the priests. Our relation to [[God]], as our Father and Master, strongly obliges us to [[fear]] and honour him. But they were so scornful that they derided reproof. Sinners ruin themselves by trying to baffle their convictions. Those who live in careless neglect of holy ordinances, who attend on them without reverence, and go from them under no concern, in effect say, The table of the [[Lord]] is contemptible. They despised [[God]]'s name in what they did. It is evident that these understood not the meaning of the sacrifices, as shadowing forth the unblemished Lamb of [[God]]; they grudged the expense, thinking all thrown away which did not turn to their profit. If we [[worship]] [[God]] ignorantly, and without understanding, we bring the blind for sacrifice; if we do it carelessly, if we are cold, dull, and dead in it, we bring the sick; if we rest in the bodily exercise, and do not make heart-work of it, we bring the lame; and if we suffer vain thoughts and distractions to lodge within us, we bring the torn. And is not this evil? Is it not a great affront to [[God]], and a great wrong and injury to our own souls? In order to the acceptance of our actions with [[God]], it is not enough to do that which, for the matter of it, is good; but we must do it from a right principle, in a right manner, and for a right end. Our constant mercies from [[God]], make worse our slothfulness and niggardliness, in our returns of duty to [[God]]. A spiritual [[worship]] shall be established. Incense shall be offered to [[God]]'s name, which signifies [[prayer]] and praise. And it shall be a pure offering. When the hour came, in which the true worshippers worshipped the Father in [[Spirit]] and in truth, then this incense was offered, even this pure offering. We may rely on [[God]]'s [[mercy]] for [[pardon]] as to the past, but not for indulgence to [[sin]] in future. If there be a willing mind, it will be accepted, though defective; but if any be a deceiver, devoting his best to [[Satan]] and to his lusts, he is under a curse. Men now, though in a different way, profane the name of the [[Lord]], pollute his table, and show contempt for his worship.
----
'''Chapter''' 2
''Chapter Outline''
The priests reproved for neglecting their covenant.
(1-9)
The people reproved for their evil practices.
(10-17)
'''Verses''' 1-9
What is here said of the covenant of priesthood, is true of the covenant of [[grace]] made with all [[believer]]s, as spiritual priests. It is a covenant of life and [[peace]]; it assures all [[believer]]s of all happiness, both in this [[world]] and in that to come. It is an honour to [[God]]'s servants to be employed as his messengers. The priest's lips should not keep knowledge from his people, but keep it for them. The people are all concerned to know the will of the [[Lord]]. We must not only consult the written word, but desire instruction and advice from [[God]]'s messengers, in the affairs of our souls. Ministers must exert themselves to the utmost for the conversion of sinners; and even among those called [[Israelites]], there are many to be turned from iniquity. Those ministers, and those only, are likely to turn men from [[sin]], who preach sound doctrine, and live holy lives according to the Scripture. Many departed from this way; thus they misled the people. Such as walk with [[God]] in [[peace]] and righteousness, and turn others from [[sin]], honour [[God]]; he will honour them, while those who despise him shall be lightly esteemed.
'''Verses''' 10-17
Corrupt practices are the fruit of corrupt principles; and he who is false to his [[God]], will not be true to his fellow mortals. In contempt of the [[marriage]] covenant, which [[God]] instituted, the [[Jews]] put away the wives they had of their own nation, probably to make room for strange wives. They made their lives bitter to them; yet, in the sight of others, they pretend to be tender of them. Consider she is thy wife; thy own; the nearest relation thou hast in the world. The wife is to be looked on, not as a servant, but as a companion to the husband. There is an oath of [[God]] between them, which is not to be trifled with. Man and wife should continue to their lives' end, in holy [[love]] and [[peace]]. Did not [[God]] make one, one [[Eve]] for one [[Adam]]? Yet [[God]] could have made another Eve. Wherefore did he make but one woman for one man? It was that the [[children]] might be made a seed to serve him. Husbands and wives must live in the [[fear]] of [[God]], that their seed may be a godly seed. The [[God]] of [[Israel]] saith that he hateth putting away. Those who would be kept from [[sin]], must take heed to their spirits, for there all sin begins. Men will find that their wrong conduct in their families springs from selfishness, which disregards the welfare and happiness of others, when opposed to their own passions and fancies. It is wearisome to [[God]] to hear people justify themselves in wicked practices. Those who think [[God]] can be a friend to [[sin]], affront him, and deceive themselves. The scoffers said, Where is the [[God]] of judgement? but the day of the [[Lord]] will come.
----
'''Chapter''' 3
''Chapter Outline''
The coming of [[Christ]].
(1-6)
The [[Jews]] reproved for their corruptions.
(7-12)
[[God]]'s care of his people; The distinction between the righteous and the wicked.
(13-18)
'''Verses''' 1-6
The first words of this Chapter seem an answer to the scoffers of those days. Here is a prophecy of the appearing of [[John the Baptist]]. He is [[Christ]]'s harbinger. He shall prepare the way before him, by calling men to repentance. The [[Messiah]] had been long called, "He that should come," and now shortly he will come. He is the Messenger of the covenant. Those who seek [[Jesus]], shall find pleasure in him, often when not looked for. The [[Lord]] [[Jesus]], prepares the sinner's [[heart]] to be his temple, by the ministry of his word and the convictions of his Spirit, and he enters it as the Messenger of [[peace]] and consolation. No hypocrite or formalist can endure his doctrine, or stand before his tribunal. Christ came to distinguish men, to separate between the precious and the vile. He shall sit as a Refiner. [[Christ]], by his [[gospel]], shall purify and reform his [[church]], and by his [[Spirit]] working with it, shall regenerate and cleanse souls. He will take away the dross found in them. He will separate their corruptions, which render their faculties worthless and useless. The [[believer]] needs not [[fear]] the fiery trial of afflictions and temptations, by which the [[Saviour]] refines his gold. He will take care it is not more intense or longer than is needful for his good; and this trial will end far otherwise than that of the wicked. [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] will, by interceding for them, make them accepted. Where no [[fear]] of [[God]] is, no good is to be expected. Evil pursues sinners. [[God]] is unchangeable. And though the sentence against evil works be not executed speedily, yet it will be executed; the [[Lord]] is as much an enemy to [[sin]] as ever. We may all apply this to ourselves. Because we have to do with a [[God]] that changes not, therefore it is that we are not consumed; because his compassions fail not.
'''Verses''' 7-12
The men of that generation turned away from [[God]], they had not kept his ordinances. [[God]] gives them a gracious call. But they said, Wherein shall we return? [[God]] notices what returns our hearts make to the calls of his word. It shows great perVerseness in [[sin]], when men make afflictions excuses for [[sin]], which are sent to part between them and their sins. Here is an earnest exhortation to reform. [[God]] must be served in the first place; and the interest of our souls ought to be preferred before that of our bodies. Let them [[trust]] [[God]] to provide for their comfort. [[God]] has blessings ready for us, but through the weakness of our [[faith]] and the narrowness of our desires, we have not room to receive them. He who makes trial will find nothing is lost by honouring the [[Lord]] with his substance.
'''Verses''' 13-18
Among the [[Jews]] at this time, some plainly discovered themselves to be [[children]] of the wicked one. The yoke of [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] is easy. But those who work wickedness, tempt [[God]] by presumptuous sins. Judge of things as they will appear when the doom of these proud sinners comes to be executed. Those that feared the [[Lord]], spake kindly, for preserving and promoting mutual love, when [[sin]] thus abounded. They spake one to another, in the language of those that [[fear]] the [[Lord]], and think on his name. As evil communications corrupt good minds and manners, so good communications confirm them. A book of remembrance was written before [[God]]. He will take care that his [[children]] perish not with those that believe not. They shall be vessels of [[mercy]] and honour, when the rest are made vessels of wrath and dishonour. The saints are [[God]]'s jewels; they are dear to him. He will preserve them as his jewels, when the earth is burned up like dross. Those who now own [[God]] for theirs, he will then own for his. It is our duty to serve [[God]] with the disposition of children; and he will not have his [[children]] trained up in idleness; they must do him service from a principle of love. Even [[God]]'s children stand in need of sparing [[mercy]]. All are righteous or wicked, such as serve [[God]], or such as serve him not: all are going to heaven or to hell. We are often deceived in our opinions concerning both the one and the other; but at the bar of [[Christ]], every man's character will be known. As to ourselves, we have need to think among which we shall have our lot; and, as to others, we must judge nothing before the time. But in the end all the [[world]] will confess that those alone were wise and happy, who served the [[Lord]] and trusted in Him.
----
'''Chapter''' 4
''Chapter Outline''
The judgements on the wicked, and the happiness of the righteous.
(1-3)
Regard to be had to the law; [[John the Baptist]] promised as the forerunner of [[Messiah]].
(4-6)
'''Verses''' 1-3
Here is a reference to the first and to the second coming of Christ: [[God]] has fixed the day of both. Those who do wickedly, who do not fear [[God]]'s anger, shall feel it. It is certainly to be applied to the day of judgment, when [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] shall be revealed in flaming fire; to execute judgment on the proud, and all that do wickedly. In both, [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] is a rejoicing Light to those who serve him faithfully. By the Sun of [[Righteousness]] we understand [[Jesus]] [[Christ]]. Through him [[believer]]s are justified and sanctified, and so are brought to see light. His influences render the sinner holy, joyful, and fruitful. It is applicable to the graces and comforts of the [[Holy Spirit]], brought into the souls of men. [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] gave the [[Spirit]] to those who are his, to shine in their hearts, and to be a Comforter to them, a Sun and a Shield. That day which to the wicked will burn as an oven, will to the righteous be bright as the morning; it is what they wait for, more than those that wait for the morning. [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] came as the Sun, to bring, not only light to a dark world, but health to a distempered world. Souls shall increase in knowledge and spiritual strength. Their growth is as that of calves of the stall, not as the flower of the field, which is slender and weak, and soon withers. The saints' triumphs are all owing to [[God]]'s victories; it is not they that do this, but [[God]] who does it for them. Behold another day is coming, far more dreadful to all that work wickedness than any which is gone before. How great then the happiness of the [[believer]], when he goes from the darkness and misery of this world, to [[rejoice]] in the [[Lord]] for evermore!
'''Verses''' 4-6
Here is a solemn conclusion, not only of this prophecy, but of the Old Testament. Conscience bids us remember the law. Though we have not prophets, yet, as long as we have [[Bible]]s, we may keep up our communion with [[God]]. Let others boast in their proud reasoning, and call it enlightening, but let us keep near to that sacred word, through which this Sun of [[Righteousness]] shines upon the souls of his people. They must keep up a believing expectation of the [[gospel]] of [[Christ]], and must look for the beginning of it. [[John the Baptist]] preached [[Repentance|repentance]] and reformation, as [[Elijah]] had done. The turning of souls to [[God]] and their duty, is the best preparation of them for the great and dreadful day of the [[Lord]]. John shall preach a doctrine that shall reach men's hearts, and work a change in them. Thus he shall prepare the way for the kingdom of heaven. The Jewish nation, by wickedness, laid themselves open to the curse. [[God]] was ready to bring ruin upon them; but he will once more try whether they will repent and return; therefore he sent [[John the Baptist]] to preach [[Repentance|repentance]] to them. Let the [[believer]] wait with patience for his release, and cheerfully expect the great day, when [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] shall come the second time to complete our [[salvation]]. But those must expect to be smitten with a sword, with a curse, who turn not to Him that smites them with a rod. None can expect to escape the curse of [[God]]'s broken law, nor to enjoy the happiness of his chosen and redeemed people, unless their hearts are turned from [[sin]] and the world, to [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] and [[holiness]]. The [[grace]] of our [[Lord]] [[Jesus Christ|Jesus Christ]] be with us all. [[Text:EBD:Amen|Amen]].
{{mhc bottom}}
[[Category:MHC Concise Bible Commentary|Book of Malachi]]
topic_name = Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary : Malachi |
subtopics = The Prophet [[Text:EBD:Malachi|Malachi]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[Text:EBD:Malachi|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on Malachi]] |
}}
Read the [[Book of Malachi]] from the [[Holy Bible|Bible]]
{{chapters}}
[[Malachi 1|1]]
[[Malachi 2|2]]
[[Malachi 3|3]]
[[Malachi 4|4]]
==Commentary==
[[Text:MHC Concise Malachi 1|1]]
[[Text:MHC Concise Malachi 2|2]]
[[Text:MHC Concise Malachi 3|3]]
[[Text:MHC Concise Malachi 4|4]]
{{mhc import}}
'''Commentary on the [[Book of Malachi]]'''
Malachi was the last of the prophets, and is supposed to have prophesied B.C. 420. He reproves the priests and the people for the evil practices into which they had fallen, and invites them to [[Repentance|repentance]] and reformation, with promises of the blessings to be bestowed at the coming of the [[Messiah]]. And now that prophecy was to cease, he speaks clearly of the [[Messiah]], as nigh at hand, and directs the people of [[God]] to keep in rememberance the law of [[Moses]], while they were in expectation of the [[gospel]] of [[Christ]].
----
'''Chapter''' 1
''Chapter Outline''
The ingratitude of [[Israel]].
(1-5)
They are careless in [[God]]'s institutions.
(6-14)
'''Verses''' 1-5
All advantages, either as to outward circumstances, or spiritual privileges, come from the free [[love]] of [[God]], who makes one to differ from another. All the evils sinners feel and fear, are the just recompence of their crimes, while all their hopes and comforts are from the unmerited [[mercy]] of the [[Lord]]. He chose his people that they might be holy. If we [[love]] him, it is because he has first loved us; yet we all are prone to undervalue the mercies of [[God]], and to excuse our own offences.
'''Verses''' 6-14
We may each charge upon ourselves what is here charged upon the priests. Our relation to [[God]], as our Father and Master, strongly obliges us to [[fear]] and honour him. But they were so scornful that they derided reproof. Sinners ruin themselves by trying to baffle their convictions. Those who live in careless neglect of holy ordinances, who attend on them without reverence, and go from them under no concern, in effect say, The table of the [[Lord]] is contemptible. They despised [[God]]'s name in what they did. It is evident that these understood not the meaning of the sacrifices, as shadowing forth the unblemished Lamb of [[God]]; they grudged the expense, thinking all thrown away which did not turn to their profit. If we [[worship]] [[God]] ignorantly, and without understanding, we bring the blind for sacrifice; if we do it carelessly, if we are cold, dull, and dead in it, we bring the sick; if we rest in the bodily exercise, and do not make heart-work of it, we bring the lame; and if we suffer vain thoughts and distractions to lodge within us, we bring the torn. And is not this evil? Is it not a great affront to [[God]], and a great wrong and injury to our own souls? In order to the acceptance of our actions with [[God]], it is not enough to do that which, for the matter of it, is good; but we must do it from a right principle, in a right manner, and for a right end. Our constant mercies from [[God]], make worse our slothfulness and niggardliness, in our returns of duty to [[God]]. A spiritual [[worship]] shall be established. Incense shall be offered to [[God]]'s name, which signifies [[prayer]] and praise. And it shall be a pure offering. When the hour came, in which the true worshippers worshipped the Father in [[Spirit]] and in truth, then this incense was offered, even this pure offering. We may rely on [[God]]'s [[mercy]] for [[pardon]] as to the past, but not for indulgence to [[sin]] in future. If there be a willing mind, it will be accepted, though defective; but if any be a deceiver, devoting his best to [[Satan]] and to his lusts, he is under a curse. Men now, though in a different way, profane the name of the [[Lord]], pollute his table, and show contempt for his worship.
----
'''Chapter''' 2
''Chapter Outline''
The priests reproved for neglecting their covenant.
(1-9)
The people reproved for their evil practices.
(10-17)
'''Verses''' 1-9
What is here said of the covenant of priesthood, is true of the covenant of [[grace]] made with all [[believer]]s, as spiritual priests. It is a covenant of life and [[peace]]; it assures all [[believer]]s of all happiness, both in this [[world]] and in that to come. It is an honour to [[God]]'s servants to be employed as his messengers. The priest's lips should not keep knowledge from his people, but keep it for them. The people are all concerned to know the will of the [[Lord]]. We must not only consult the written word, but desire instruction and advice from [[God]]'s messengers, in the affairs of our souls. Ministers must exert themselves to the utmost for the conversion of sinners; and even among those called [[Israelites]], there are many to be turned from iniquity. Those ministers, and those only, are likely to turn men from [[sin]], who preach sound doctrine, and live holy lives according to the Scripture. Many departed from this way; thus they misled the people. Such as walk with [[God]] in [[peace]] and righteousness, and turn others from [[sin]], honour [[God]]; he will honour them, while those who despise him shall be lightly esteemed.
'''Verses''' 10-17
Corrupt practices are the fruit of corrupt principles; and he who is false to his [[God]], will not be true to his fellow mortals. In contempt of the [[marriage]] covenant, which [[God]] instituted, the [[Jews]] put away the wives they had of their own nation, probably to make room for strange wives. They made their lives bitter to them; yet, in the sight of others, they pretend to be tender of them. Consider she is thy wife; thy own; the nearest relation thou hast in the world. The wife is to be looked on, not as a servant, but as a companion to the husband. There is an oath of [[God]] between them, which is not to be trifled with. Man and wife should continue to their lives' end, in holy [[love]] and [[peace]]. Did not [[God]] make one, one [[Eve]] for one [[Adam]]? Yet [[God]] could have made another Eve. Wherefore did he make but one woman for one man? It was that the [[children]] might be made a seed to serve him. Husbands and wives must live in the [[fear]] of [[God]], that their seed may be a godly seed. The [[God]] of [[Israel]] saith that he hateth putting away. Those who would be kept from [[sin]], must take heed to their spirits, for there all sin begins. Men will find that their wrong conduct in their families springs from selfishness, which disregards the welfare and happiness of others, when opposed to their own passions and fancies. It is wearisome to [[God]] to hear people justify themselves in wicked practices. Those who think [[God]] can be a friend to [[sin]], affront him, and deceive themselves. The scoffers said, Where is the [[God]] of judgement? but the day of the [[Lord]] will come.
----
'''Chapter''' 3
''Chapter Outline''
The coming of [[Christ]].
(1-6)
The [[Jews]] reproved for their corruptions.
(7-12)
[[God]]'s care of his people; The distinction between the righteous and the wicked.
(13-18)
'''Verses''' 1-6
The first words of this Chapter seem an answer to the scoffers of those days. Here is a prophecy of the appearing of [[John the Baptist]]. He is [[Christ]]'s harbinger. He shall prepare the way before him, by calling men to repentance. The [[Messiah]] had been long called, "He that should come," and now shortly he will come. He is the Messenger of the covenant. Those who seek [[Jesus]], shall find pleasure in him, often when not looked for. The [[Lord]] [[Jesus]], prepares the sinner's [[heart]] to be his temple, by the ministry of his word and the convictions of his Spirit, and he enters it as the Messenger of [[peace]] and consolation. No hypocrite or formalist can endure his doctrine, or stand before his tribunal. Christ came to distinguish men, to separate between the precious and the vile. He shall sit as a Refiner. [[Christ]], by his [[gospel]], shall purify and reform his [[church]], and by his [[Spirit]] working with it, shall regenerate and cleanse souls. He will take away the dross found in them. He will separate their corruptions, which render their faculties worthless and useless. The [[believer]] needs not [[fear]] the fiery trial of afflictions and temptations, by which the [[Saviour]] refines his gold. He will take care it is not more intense or longer than is needful for his good; and this trial will end far otherwise than that of the wicked. [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] will, by interceding for them, make them accepted. Where no [[fear]] of [[God]] is, no good is to be expected. Evil pursues sinners. [[God]] is unchangeable. And though the sentence against evil works be not executed speedily, yet it will be executed; the [[Lord]] is as much an enemy to [[sin]] as ever. We may all apply this to ourselves. Because we have to do with a [[God]] that changes not, therefore it is that we are not consumed; because his compassions fail not.
'''Verses''' 7-12
The men of that generation turned away from [[God]], they had not kept his ordinances. [[God]] gives them a gracious call. But they said, Wherein shall we return? [[God]] notices what returns our hearts make to the calls of his word. It shows great perVerseness in [[sin]], when men make afflictions excuses for [[sin]], which are sent to part between them and their sins. Here is an earnest exhortation to reform. [[God]] must be served in the first place; and the interest of our souls ought to be preferred before that of our bodies. Let them [[trust]] [[God]] to provide for their comfort. [[God]] has blessings ready for us, but through the weakness of our [[faith]] and the narrowness of our desires, we have not room to receive them. He who makes trial will find nothing is lost by honouring the [[Lord]] with his substance.
'''Verses''' 13-18
Among the [[Jews]] at this time, some plainly discovered themselves to be [[children]] of the wicked one. The yoke of [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] is easy. But those who work wickedness, tempt [[God]] by presumptuous sins. Judge of things as they will appear when the doom of these proud sinners comes to be executed. Those that feared the [[Lord]], spake kindly, for preserving and promoting mutual love, when [[sin]] thus abounded. They spake one to another, in the language of those that [[fear]] the [[Lord]], and think on his name. As evil communications corrupt good minds and manners, so good communications confirm them. A book of remembrance was written before [[God]]. He will take care that his [[children]] perish not with those that believe not. They shall be vessels of [[mercy]] and honour, when the rest are made vessels of wrath and dishonour. The saints are [[God]]'s jewels; they are dear to him. He will preserve them as his jewels, when the earth is burned up like dross. Those who now own [[God]] for theirs, he will then own for his. It is our duty to serve [[God]] with the disposition of children; and he will not have his [[children]] trained up in idleness; they must do him service from a principle of love. Even [[God]]'s children stand in need of sparing [[mercy]]. All are righteous or wicked, such as serve [[God]], or such as serve him not: all are going to heaven or to hell. We are often deceived in our opinions concerning both the one and the other; but at the bar of [[Christ]], every man's character will be known. As to ourselves, we have need to think among which we shall have our lot; and, as to others, we must judge nothing before the time. But in the end all the [[world]] will confess that those alone were wise and happy, who served the [[Lord]] and trusted in Him.
----
'''Chapter''' 4
''Chapter Outline''
The judgements on the wicked, and the happiness of the righteous.
(1-3)
Regard to be had to the law; [[John the Baptist]] promised as the forerunner of [[Messiah]].
(4-6)
'''Verses''' 1-3
Here is a reference to the first and to the second coming of Christ: [[God]] has fixed the day of both. Those who do wickedly, who do not fear [[God]]'s anger, shall feel it. It is certainly to be applied to the day of judgment, when [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] shall be revealed in flaming fire; to execute judgment on the proud, and all that do wickedly. In both, [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] is a rejoicing Light to those who serve him faithfully. By the Sun of [[Righteousness]] we understand [[Jesus]] [[Christ]]. Through him [[believer]]s are justified and sanctified, and so are brought to see light. His influences render the sinner holy, joyful, and fruitful. It is applicable to the graces and comforts of the [[Holy Spirit]], brought into the souls of men. [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] gave the [[Spirit]] to those who are his, to shine in their hearts, and to be a Comforter to them, a Sun and a Shield. That day which to the wicked will burn as an oven, will to the righteous be bright as the morning; it is what they wait for, more than those that wait for the morning. [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] came as the Sun, to bring, not only light to a dark world, but health to a distempered world. Souls shall increase in knowledge and spiritual strength. Their growth is as that of calves of the stall, not as the flower of the field, which is slender and weak, and soon withers. The saints' triumphs are all owing to [[God]]'s victories; it is not they that do this, but [[God]] who does it for them. Behold another day is coming, far more dreadful to all that work wickedness than any which is gone before. How great then the happiness of the [[believer]], when he goes from the darkness and misery of this world, to [[rejoice]] in the [[Lord]] for evermore!
'''Verses''' 4-6
Here is a solemn conclusion, not only of this prophecy, but of the Old Testament. Conscience bids us remember the law. Though we have not prophets, yet, as long as we have [[Bible]]s, we may keep up our communion with [[God]]. Let others boast in their proud reasoning, and call it enlightening, but let us keep near to that sacred word, through which this Sun of [[Righteousness]] shines upon the souls of his people. They must keep up a believing expectation of the [[gospel]] of [[Christ]], and must look for the beginning of it. [[John the Baptist]] preached [[Repentance|repentance]] and reformation, as [[Elijah]] had done. The turning of souls to [[God]] and their duty, is the best preparation of them for the great and dreadful day of the [[Lord]]. John shall preach a doctrine that shall reach men's hearts, and work a change in them. Thus he shall prepare the way for the kingdom of heaven. The Jewish nation, by wickedness, laid themselves open to the curse. [[God]] was ready to bring ruin upon them; but he will once more try whether they will repent and return; therefore he sent [[John the Baptist]] to preach [[Repentance|repentance]] to them. Let the [[believer]] wait with patience for his release, and cheerfully expect the great day, when [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] shall come the second time to complete our [[salvation]]. But those must expect to be smitten with a sword, with a curse, who turn not to Him that smites them with a rod. None can expect to escape the curse of [[God]]'s broken law, nor to enjoy the happiness of his chosen and redeemed people, unless their hearts are turned from [[sin]] and the world, to [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] and [[holiness]]. The [[grace]] of our [[Lord]] [[Jesus Christ|Jesus Christ]] be with us all. [[Text:EBD:Amen|Amen]].
{{mhc bottom}}
[[Category:MHC Concise Bible Commentary|Book of Malachi]]
