God’s Promise to Those Who Fear Him: A Beacon of Hope Amidst Despair

Jonathan T. September 19, 2016

The book of Malachi reaches its crescendo with God’s sixth and final message to Israel, delivered through His faithful prophet. In Malachi 3:13-4:6, God confronts the arrogant words of His people, contrasting them sharply with the quiet devotion of those who genuinely fear Him. This passage serves as a powerful testament to divine justice, promising a glorious reward for the faithful amidst the spiritual bankruptcy of the nation.

1. God Heard Israel’s Arrogant Words

God begins with a cutting accusation: “Your words have been arrogant against Me,” says the Lord. Yet, just as before, the Israelites, blinded by their spiritual apathy, feign ignorance, asking, “What have we spoken against You?” (Malachi 3:13).

God then lays bare their harsh and defiant statements (Malachi 3:14-15):

“It is pointless to serve God.”
“What benefit is it for us that we have done what He required, and that we have walked in mourning before the Lord of armies?”
“So now we call the arrogant blessed; not only are the doers of wickedness built up, but they also put God to the test and escape punishment.”

These were not merely weary words, but open declarations of rebellion and cynicism. They were a profound provocation against God, questioning His fairness and even His existence as a just ruler. In essence, they were accusing God of allowing the wicked to prosper unchecked while the righteous suffered.

In our contemporary world, similar “harsh words” echo against God. We hear declarations that God’s words are irrelevant in modern society, that biblical accounts are mere parables devoid of historical truth, and that serving God yields no tangible benefits. These words, whether spoken outright or demonstrated by lives lived in open defiance, reject and ignore the profound advantages and blessings of serving God and obeying His Word.

2. God Also Heard Those Who Feared Him

But amidst the clamor of cynical voices, God discerned a different sound – the quiet conversations of the faithful. Malachi 3:16 paints a beautiful picture: “Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened attentively and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and esteem His name.”

These were not people driven by a desire for earthly gain, but by genuine reverence. To “esteem His name” (ESV) or “ponder” (LEB) His name, from the Hebrew chashab, means to think deeply, to account, to hold in high regard. These were individuals who carefully considered the holy name of God before they spoke or acted, living lives marked by intentional reverence.

A “book of remembrance” was written, a divine ledger where their names, their attitudes, and their profound respect for God were meticulously recorded for future consideration. This echoes instances like Mordecai’s deed in Esther 2:21-23 and 6:1-5, where a king’s book of records highlighted a faithful act, leading to later reward.

God promises these faithful ones, “And they will be Mine,” says the Lord of armies, “on the day that I prepare My own possession, and I will have compassion for them just as a man has compassion for his own son who serves him” (Malachi 3:17). The word translated “possession” or “jewels” (Hebrew segullah) is significant. It always refers to God’s specially valued, peculiar property. It was applied to Israel at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:5), to His covenant people (Deuteronomy 26:18), and in the New Testament, to believers as His chosen race (1 Peter 2:9) and the redeemed (Titus 2:14). These special people are those who:

Fear God and revere His name.
Keep all His commandments.
Are zealous for good works.

On “that day,” God promises to clearly distinguish “between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him” (Malachi 3:18).

3. God Will Reward All Actions in One Day

The grand culmination of God’s justice is revealed in Malachi 4:1-3, which speaks of a coming “Day.” “For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them ablaze,” says the Lord of armies, “so that it will leave them neither root nor branches.”

This “Day” will be a terrifying furnace for the wicked, consuming the proud and evildoers like stubble, leaving them utterly annihilated, “neither root nor branches.”

Conversely, for the righteous, “But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and frolic like calves from the stall” (Malachi 4:2). The “Sun of Righteousness” refers to Christ, whose coming brings “healing” – not just physical cure, but spiritual health, restoration, and wholeness. Those who fear God will be preserved through God’s wrath (Isaiah 30:26; 60:1-2), experiencing joy and freedom like calves released from the stall. They will even “crush the wicked underfoot, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day that I am preparing,” says the Lord of armies (Malachi 4:3), signifying their triumphant vindication.

The book of Malachi concludes with a final, crucial warning and promise (Malachi 4:4-6):

Remember the Law of Moses: A call to cling to the foundational statutes and ordinances given at Horeb.
The Promise of Elijah: “Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord.” This prophetic figure (understood by many as John the Baptist in his first fulfillment, and potentially another messenger before Christ’s second coming) will play a vital role in turning hearts.
Restoration of Hearts: “He will turn the hearts of the fathers back to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and strike the land with complete destruction.” This speaks of reconciliation, healing of generational divides, and a spiritual turning back to God.

Conclusion

The enduring message of Malachi 3:13-4:6 is a clarion call for us today:

Fear God, no matter the evil of the day you live in. Even when it seems the wicked prosper and God is silent, hold fast to His truth.
Fear God, for it is rewarded at the right time. God’s book of remembrance records every act of reverence, and His justice will prevail.
Fear God, for you will be preserved in the day of trouble. While judgment awaits the ungodly, salvation and joy await those who honor His name.

Let us be among those who, though surrounded by cynicism, speak words that honor God and live lives that reflect a genuine fear and esteem for His holy name.