Malaquias 3

Malaquias 3

Phillips - Suddenly Malachi's attention was drawn away from the drab sins of his day to a glorious vision of a coming day. The same vision had thrilled many other Old Testament prophets and now it enraptured Malachi. (Exploring the Minor Prophets) I am going to send My messenger - Who is speaking? Clearly it is the LORD of hosts, which in context is Jesus (see discussion below). The Hebrew phrase for my messenger is "mal'akhi" which is the same form as "Malachi" the writer of this book. It should be noted that some think it is the Father speaking, but notice the phrase "My messenger and he will clear the way before Me." While "before Me" could be before the omniscient gaze of the Father, it makes more sense to see this as Jesus. McKay - The imagery (He will clear the way) is drawn from the practice of ancient kings, who would inform their subjects in a province of their empire that they were about to come on a state visit, so that adequate arrangements might be made. This would include ‘preparing the way’ for the royal procession, by removing from it anything that would impede progress. It would thus be straight, level and free of obstacles (Isa. 40:3–4; see also Isa. 57:14; 62:10). The preparations that had to be made before the coming of the LORD were, of course, spiritual rather than physical. This was achieved through John’s ministry, which called for repentance because the kingdom of heaven was near (Mt. 3:2). He had a wide impact (Mk. 1:5), and provided the basis for Christ’s ministry (Jn. 1:35–37; Acts 19:4). That such a forerunner was necessary was also a warning to the people of Malachi’s day that whatever they might think, they were not ready for the arrival of their king.