Zechariah 3
Malachi 3 is a chapter containing God’s message to restore the relationship between the people of Israel and God. The chapter can be divided into a warning of judgment and a preview of purification (verses 1-5), an exhortation about giving offerings and tithes (verses 6-12), a warning against unbelief and a promise to those who fear the Lord (verses 13-18). Overall, it flows with the theme of restoring the people who had not been faithful to God and promising rewards to those who truly fear Him.
1verseHe showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the LORD’s angel, and Satan standing at his right hand to be his adversary.
2verseThe LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! Yes, the LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Isn’t this a burning stick plucked out of the fire?”
3verseNow Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the angel.
4verseHe answered and spoke to those who stood before him, saying, “Take the filthy garments off him.” To him he said, “Behold, I have caused your iniquity to pass from you, and I will clothe you with rich clothing.”
5verseI said, “Let them set a clean turban on his head.” So they set a clean turban on his head, and clothed him; and the LORD’s angel was standing by.
6verseThe LORD’s angel solemnly assured Joshua, saying,
7verse“The LORD of Armies says: ‘If you will walk in my ways, and if you will follow my instructions, then you also shall judge my house, and shall also keep my courts, and I will give you a place of access among these who stand by.
8verseHear now, Joshua the high priest, you and your fellows who sit before you, for they are men who are a sign; for, behold, I will bring out my servant, the Branch.
9verseFor, behold, the stone that I have set before Joshua: on one stone are seven eyes; behold, I will engrave its inscription,’ says the LORD of Armies, ‘and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.
10verseIn that day,’ says the LORD of Armies, ‘you will invite every man his neighbor under the vine and under the fig tree.’”
Main Contents of the Text
- Verses 1-5: It begins with the prophecy, “I will send my messenger,” and describes the coming of God’s errand-runner (traditionally interpreted as “Elijah”), along with God Himself coming to the temple to cleanse the people. His coming carries the meaning of judgment and purification, like fire that refines and lye that whitens.
- Verses 6-12: It reminds us that because God does not change, the descendants of Jacob were not destroyed and survived. Although Israel left God’s ordinances, God wants the people to return to Him. In particular, while emphasizing tithes and offerings, it presents this act as an important sign of restoring a relationship with God. God also promises that by giving tithes, He will open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings.
- Verses 13-18: Some people complain that serving God is in vain, but God promises to write down those who fear Him and to make them “a treasured possession.” The chapter concludes with a message that clearly distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not, on the day of judgment.
Meditation Points
- God is always faithful to His promises, and He waits for us to return.
- It leads us to reflect on the fact that there is no true meaning in worship or offerings given without genuine repentance and a purified heart.
- In our relationship with God, we need to check again our priorities in faith and life.
- We can examine whether our confession of faith and our lives align, and whether we have a heart of reverence that pleases God.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- In my life, I check whether an attitude of fearing God is being revealed, and whether I am worshiping and serving God with pure motives.
- I can also ask myself whether my tithes, commitment, and sharing are expressions of faith that come from the heart rather than from mere formality.
- Even in difficulties or uncertainty, I can think practically about whether I live by trusting God’s promises, and what “a life that returns to God” means.
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