Verse
Context
The Book of Remembrance
15So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, they even test God and escape.’”16At that time those who feared the LORD spoke with one another, and the LORD listened and heard them. So a scroll of remembrance was written before Him regarding those who feared the LORD and honored His name.
Sermons
A.W. Tozer
CompilationsA.W. Tozer
David Wilkerson
K.P. Yohannan
Henry BlackabySummary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
With these foolish speeches the prophet proceeds in Mal 3:16. to contrast the conduct of those who fear God, pointing to the blessing which they derive from their piety. Mal 3:16. "Then those who feared Jehovah conversed with one another, and Jehovah attended and heard, and a book of remembrance was written before Him, for those who fear Jehovah and reverence His name. Mal 3:17. And they will be to me as a possession, saith Jehovah of hosts, for the day that I create, and I will spare them as a man spareth his son that serveth him. Mal 3:18. And ye will again perceive the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not." אז, then, indicates that the conversation of those who feared God had been occasioned by the words of the ungodly. The substance of this conversation is not described more minutely, but may be gathered from the context, namely, from the statement as to the attitude in which Jehovah stood towards them. We may see from this, that they strengthened themselves in their faith in Jehovah, as the holy God and just Judge who would in due time repay both the wicked and the righteous according to their deeds, and thus presented a great contrast to the great mass with their blasphemous sayings. This description of the conduct of the godly is an indirect admonition to the people, as to what their attitude towards God ought to be. What was done by those who feared Jehovah ought to be taken as a model by the whole nation which called Jehovah its God. Jehovah not only took notice of these conversations, but had them written in a book of remembrance, to reward them for them in due time. Writing in a book of remembrance recals to mind the custom of the Persians, of having the names of those who deserved well of the king entered in a book with a notice of their merits, that they might be rewarded for them at some future time (Est 6:1); but it rests upon the much older idea, that the names and actions of the righteous are written in a book before God (cf. Psa 56:9; Dan 7:10). This book was written לפניו, before Jehovah, i.e., not in His presence, but in order that it might lie before Jehovah, and remind Him of the righteous and their deeds. ליראי is a dat. com.: "for those who fear God," i.e., for their good. חשׁב שׁם, to consider or value the name of the Lord (cf. Isa 13:17; Isa 33:8). This writing was done because the Lord would make them His own on the day of His coming, and show them mercy. Layyōm: for the day = on the day; the lamed denoting the time, as in Isa 10:3; Gen 21:2, etc. The day which Jehovah makes is the day of the judgment which attends His coming. Segullâh is the object, not to ‛ōseh, as we might suppose according to the accents, but to hâyū: they will be my possession on the day which I create. This is evident partly from a comparison of Mal 4:3, where the words יום אשׁר אני עשׂה recur, and partly from the original passage in Exo 19:5 : ye will be to me segullâh, i.e., a valued possession (see the comm.). The righteous will then be a possession for Jehovah, because on that day the glory of the children of God will first be revealed, and the Israel of God will reach the mark of its heavenly calling (see Col 3:4). The Lord will spare them in the judgment as a father spares his son who serves him. The expression to spare may be explained from the contrast to the punishment of the ungodly. In Mal 3:18 the prophet bids the murmurers consider what has been said concerning the righteous, by telling them that they will then see the difference between the righteous who serve God, and the wicked who do not serve Him, that is to say, will learn that it is always profitable to serve God. שׁבתּם before ראיתם is to be taken adverbially: ye will see again. The expression "again" presupposes that the difference between those who feared God and the ungodly was to be seen before, and that the Lord had already made it manifest by former judgments. This had been the case in Egypt, where the Lord had caused such a separation to be made (Exo 11:7). The words do not imply that the persons addressed had previously stood in a different relation to this question from that in which they were standing then (Koehler). ראה בין does not mean to look in between (Hitzig), but בּין is used in the sense of a substantive, signifying that which is between the two, the difference between the two. That בּין was originally a noun is evident from the dual הבּינים in Sa1 17:4, Sa1 17:23.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
"Then," when the ungodly utter such blasphemies against God, the godly hold mutual converse, defending God's righteous dealings against those blasphemers (Heb 3:13). The "often" of English Version is not in the Hebrew. There has been always in the darkest times a remnant that feared God (Kg1 19:18; Rom 11:4). feared the Lord--reverential and loving fear, not slavish terror. When the fire of religion burns low, true believers should draw the nearer together, to keep the holy flame alive. Coals separated soon go out. book of remembrance . . . for them--for their advantage, against the day when those found faithful among the faithless shall receive their final reward. The kings of Persia kept a record of those who had rendered services to the king, that they might be suitably rewarded (Est 6:1-2; compare Est 2:23; Ezr 4:15; Psa 56:8; Isa 65:6; Dan 7:10; Rev 20:12). CALVIN makes the fearers of God to be those awakened from among the ungodly mass (before described) to true repentance; the writing of the book thus will imply that some were reclaimable among the blasphemers, and that the godly should be assured that, though no hope appeared, there would be a door of penitence opened for them before God. But there is nothing in the context to support this view.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another,.... Abarbinel thinks this is a continuation of the speech of the wicked; observing, that while they that work wickedness were set up, and they that tempted God escaped punishment, they that were religious, and feared God, "were destroyed one with another", particularly by the plague; so he would have the word rendered, which we translate, "spake often one to another"; in which sense he observes that root is used in Hos 13:14 but rather this is opposed unto what they said, by such, who, at the time referred to (which seems to be between the time of Christ's coming, spoken of in the beginning of the chapter Mal 3:1, and the destruction of Jerusalem after mentioned), feared the Lord, and served him; embraced the Messiah, and professed his name; for the fear of God takes in the whole of religious worship, both internal and external; and describes such, not that have a dread of the majesty of God, and of his judgments and wrath, or distrust his power, providence, grace, and goodness; but who have a filial and holy fear of God, a fiducial and fearless one, a reverential affection for him, and are true and sincere worshippers of him: these "spake often one to another"; of the unbelief, impiety, and profaneness of men, with great concern and lamentation; and of the great and good things they were led into the knowledge of; the everlasting love of the Father in the choice of them, and covenant with them in Christ; of redemption by the Son; of the glories of his person, and the fulness of his grace; of the work of the Spirit of God upon their souls; and of the various truths of the everlasting Gospel; and of the gracious experiences they were indulged with; and all this they said for the glory of God's grace, and for the comforting and strengthening, and edifying, of each other's souls: it follows, and the Lord hearkened, and heard it; what they said one to another: this is spoken after the manner of men, and does not so much regard the omniscience of God, who hearkens and hears everything that is said by wicked men, as by good men; as his special regard unto, peculiar notice he takes of, and the approbation he has of his people, and of their words and actions, and even of their thoughts, as is afterwards intimated: and a book of remembrance was written before him; in allusion to kings that keep registers, records, annals, and chronicles, as memorials of matters of moment and importance: see Ezr 4:15 Est 2:23, otherwise there is no forgetfulness in God; he bears in his own eternal mind a remembrance of the persons, thoughts, words, and actions of his people, and which he will disclose and make mention of another day; even our Lord Jesus Christ, who is God over all, and who will let the churches and world know that he is the searcher of hearts, and trier of the reins of the children of men: for them that feared the Lord, as before, and that thought upon his name; either the name of the Father; not any particular name of his, by which he is known, but him himself; for, as Kimchi observes, his name is himself, and he himself is his name; and especially as he is in Christ, and proclaimed in him; and this is expressive of faith in him, love to him, and reverence of him: or the name of Christ; and not any particular name of his, unless it be Jesus the Saviour: but rather his person as the Son of God; his office as Mediator; and his blood, righteousness, and sacrifice: and it is not a bare thinking of him that is here intended, but such a thought of him as is accompanied with esteem and value for him, because of the dignity of his person, and the riches of his grace. The Septuagint and Arabic versions render it, "and that reverence his name"; and the Syriac version, "that praise his name"; and the Targum is, that think of the glory of his name.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:16-18 The prophet here serves as a recorder, reporting the audience’s reaction to his final message and God’s response to the discussion among those who feared the Lord. Although God listened to their deliberations (see 3:16), there is no evidence that Malachi’s message effected any real change in the majority of his listeners. 3:16 A scroll of remembrance—a Persian tradition—was a catalog of names with a record of events associated with those individuals. We are not told how many people signed the scroll. • Those who feared him were people who were loyal to the Lord as God, obedient to God’s commands, and righteous in conduct and worship.
The Book of Remembrance
15So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, they even test God and escape.’”16At that time those who feared the LORD spoke with one another, and the LORD listened and heard them. So a scroll of remembrance was written before Him regarding those who feared the LORD and honored His name.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Voice of Conscience
By A.W. Tozer5.0K37:52ConscienceMAL 3:16JHN 8:1ROM 2:11ROM 10:91TH 1:101TI 4:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a sincere and reverent attitude towards God in Christ. He acknowledges the value of testimonies, songs, and occasional amens in worship, but warns against excessive and empty religious talk. The speaker highlights the significance of listening to the voice of God and the Word, as well as the inner voice that urges us to draw closer to God. He references the story of Jesus and the adulterous woman in the Bible as an example of the inner light that convicts and guides individuals. The speaker also expresses concern about the spiritual and moral decline in society despite the high number of people belonging to churches or synagogues. He suggests that true faith and love should be demonstrated through actions rather than mere words.
"Book of Remembrance" by Leonard Ravenhill
By Compilations4.2K05:17PRO 10:20MAL 3:16MAT 12:361CO 3:121CO 4:52CO 5:101TH 5:171PE 2:5
This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life that is devoted to God, comparing our actions and words to materials like wood, hay, stubble, silver, gold, and precious stones. It challenges believers to consider the quality of their devotion, speech, and actions, as they will be tested by fire. The speaker highlights the significance of prayer, the purity of our words, and the eternal impact of our lives. It calls for a deep commitment to God, living with an awareness of eternity and the accountability we will face before God.
How to Continue Steadfastly
By A.W. Tozer3.7K37:32SteadfastJER 7:3MAL 3:16MAT 6:19MAT 6:33LUK 24:14ACT 2:42HEB 10:25In this sermon, the speaker encourages people to take time off and reflect on God, nature, and themselves. He emphasizes the importance of not living in a constant rush and urges people to expand their minds and meditate. The speaker also warns against being influenced by worldly distractions, such as television and Hollywood. He then references the Book of Acts and Jeremiah to discuss the importance of continuing steadfastly in doctrine, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. The speaker concludes by questioning whether the blessings received from the sermon will last.
The Sin That Makes God Cry
By David Wilkerson3.6K41:12SinMAL 1:2MAL 2:11MAL 2:17MAL 3:7MAL 3:13MAL 3:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses how the people of God had become weary and bored with their worship and service. They doubted God's love for them and questioned where the evidence of His love was. As a result, they turned to wickedness and their actions became perverted. The preacher emphasizes that doubting God's love leads to taking matters into our own hands and opens the door for the enemy to come in. The sermon references the book of Malachi, where God confronts Israel for doubting His love and warns them of the consequences of their actions.
(Pdf Book) Destined to Soar
By K.P. Yohannan3.1K00:00EbooksIdentity in ChristSurrender and HumilityISA 40:31MAL 3:16K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that believers are destined to soar like eagles, as promised in Scripture, but often find themselves grounded by life's challenges. He encourages a journey of transformation through surrendering personal agendas to God, fostering a deep relationship with Him, and embracing humility. The sermon highlights the importance of understanding one's identity in Christ, which empowers believers to rise above trials and serve others selflessly. Yohannan calls for a commitment to live out the love of Christ, which is essential for unity and effective ministry in the world.
What to Expect When God Touches Your Church
By Henry Blackaby2.8K50:42PSA 46:10ISA 40:31MAL 3:1MAL 3:16MAT 6:33HEB 10:25JAS 4:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of fearing God and having a genuine encounter with Him. He emphasizes that God comes to His people on His terms, often as a refiner's fire, to call them back to Himself. The speaker shares a powerful example of a church experiencing a visitation from God, where people openly confessed their sins and wept at the altar. He highlights the significance of such visitations and warns against mistaking them for ordinary events. The sermon is based on the context of Malachi 3:1, which speaks about God sending a messenger to prepare the way for His sudden coming to the temple.
(Saved Through the Fire) 01 - the Path of True Salvation
By Milton Green2.7K1:25:45MAL 3:1MAL 3:16MAL 4:1GAL 5:16EPH 2:2EPH 4:22In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Malachi 3:1, which speaks of the coming of John the Baptist as a messenger to prepare the way for Jesus Christ. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and preparing for the coming of the Lord. They then turn to John 15, discussing the commandment to love the Lord with all our heart and our neighbors as ourselves. The speaker explains that it is impossible for us to fulfill this commandment on our own, but Jesus came to perfect this love in us through his grace, word, and spirit. The sermon concludes with the encouragement to have a deep and passionate love for the Lord, similar to the way we would feel in a romantic relationship, and to allow him to have all our heart, mind, soul, and strength.
Malachi
By Zac Poonen2.5K53:29MalachiGEN 32:28MAL 2:5MAL 3:6MAL 3:8MAL 3:16MAT 6:33HEB 13:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a deep hatred for sin and living a life of righteousness. He highlights the characteristics of true preachers and prophets in the last days, which include walking with God, living uprightly, and turning people away from sin. The preacher also discusses the coming of John the Baptist and Jesus as messengers of God. He concludes by emphasizing the need for genuine character and godly children, and warns of the day of judgment when the proud will be judged.
A Psalm of Thanksgiving
By Chuck Smith2.3K41:44ThanksgivingGEN 1:11CH 16:7MAL 3:16MAT 22:37JHN 3:16REV 21:3In this sermon, the speaker discusses the innate human desire to worship something. He mentions how in ancient religions, people worshipped the stars, constellations, and planets. The speaker then transitions to discussing the importance of knowing and understanding God through His revelation in the Bible. He encourages the audience to read and study the entire Bible to truly know God. The speaker also emphasizes the power of personal testimony in sharing the transformation that Jesus has brought into one's life.
Time to Wake Up (Compilation)
By Compilations1.5K10:022CH 7:14MAL 3:16MAT 7:21MAT 24:44ROM 2:51CO 3:13HEB 12:14JAS 4:81PE 1:15REV 3:16
This sermon emphasizes the importance of true repentance and returning to the foundational truths of the Gospel. It challenges the modern church to move away from diluted messages and shallow experiences, urging believers to seek holiness and a genuine relationship with God. The speaker warns against complacency, hypocrisy, and the dangers of a watered-down gospel that fails to address sin and the need for genuine transformation.
Purified by Leonard Ravenhill
By Compilations1.5K07:18EXO 28:15PRO 10:20MAL 3:161CO 3:121CO 4:52TI 2:20JAS 4:81PE 1:71PE 4:17REV 20:12
This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life devoted to God, comparing the value of our actions and words to wood, hay, stubble, silver, gold, and precious stones. It challenges believers to invest in what truly matters, such as devotion to God, purity in speech, and a deep prayer life, rather than seeking worldly entertainment or approval. The speaker highlights the accountability every individual will face before God, urging a commitment to a life that reflects true holiness and dedication to Christ.
The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded #2
By John Owen1.5K1:29:08Audio BooksPSA 145:3PRO 1:24ISA 26:11ISA 65:12ISA 66:4MAL 3:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on the word of God to detach our hearts and affections from worldly things. He encourages believers to have a contempt for worldly relationships and enjoyments in comparison to their devotion to Jesus and the gospel. The preacher warns against negligence and security in this matter, urging believers to diligently prioritize their spiritual growth. He also emphasizes the need for a holy resignation to God's will, being ready to let go of everything without complaining. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being spiritually minded and relying on God's wisdom and providence in all aspects of life.
The Ministry of Refreshing Others
By David Wilkerson1.3K55:17PSA 23:3PSA 140:7MIC 7:7MAL 3:16ACT 27:32CO 7:6This sermon emphasizes the ministry of refreshing others, highlighting the importance of believers having a ministry and being used by God to bring comfort and refreshment to those in need. It discusses the last days outpouring of the Holy Spirit, focusing on one-on-one ministry and the need for believers to be vessels of God's refreshing spirit. The message encourages believers to seek opportunities to refresh others and trust in God's provision for ministry.
Evangelizing the Western Mindset - Part 12
By Winkie Pratney1.1K58:38PRO 1:7MAL 3:16EPH 3:10COL 3:16HEB 13:7
This sermon delves into the unique characteristics of different decades, drawing parallels between historical events and the current generation. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the new consciousness and major mission fields in today's world. The sermon highlights the need for a sense of destiny, a deep reverence for God, and a connection to the rich history of the church to effectively minister to the challenges and opportunities of the 80s.
The Great Reward for Sacrificial Communication
By Jeff Keehn1.0K1:41:05CommunicationMAL 3:161TI 3:152TI 4:7HEB 10:19HEB 10:35HEB 13:162PE 3:11In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of plowing with a horse to illustrate how life can sometimes throw us off track. He emphasizes the importance of refocusing and not dwelling on past mistakes. The speaker also discusses the qualifications for those who want to prepare for the Lord's return, highlighting the importance of ruling one's own household well. The sermon concludes with a message about the great reward for sacrificial communication and holy conversation, urging listeners to be ready for the signs of the Lord's coming.
Life & Times of Jesus #11
By Jack Hibbs94351:38MAL 3:16MAT 6:33JHN 1:12JHN 16:13ROM 16:25COL 2:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the church and its mission in the lives of believers. He encourages the congregation to have faith and trust in God, rather than relying on their own efforts. The preacher highlights three divisions of believers throughout history: the Old Testament saints, the church, and the future believers. He also mentions the mystery of the church, which has been revealed through the prophetic scriptures and is a source of hope for every believer. The sermon emphasizes the blessings and significance of Christ, the church, and history in the lives of believers.
The Call of the Shipmaster
By Carter Conlon93649:01NEH 4:14PSA 18:1PSA 20:6PSA 34:17JER 20:9MAL 3:16ROM 8:19HEB 4:16JAS 5:161PE 1:7
This sermon is a powerful call to prayer and revival, emphasizing the need for believers to awaken to the urgency of the times and seek God's presence. Drawing from the story of Jonah, the message highlights the importance of responding to God's call, even in weakness, and the impact of prayer in bringing about spiritual awakening and transformation. The speaker urges for a return to fervent prayer, intercession for the nation, and a bold proclamation of the Gospel, emphasizing the need for a revival in churches and a deepening of personal devotion to God.
The Call of God
By David Clifford92136:28MAL 3:16LUK 4:16HEB 10:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of moving forward in God's victory and rest. He references the story of the Israelites entering the promised land and how they experienced the Lord's presence, guidance, and blessings as they moved forward. The speaker also mentions the story of the four lepers who faced the enemy and were saved. He encourages Christians to respond to God's call and face their own temptations and challenges. The sermon concludes with an invitation for a person named Hobab to join Moses on their journey to the promised land.
Thoughts on That Judgment Day by Leonard Ravenhill
By Compilations88607:05PSA 51:17MAL 3:16MAT 12:36MAT 25:212CO 5:10PHP 3:20COL 3:2JAS 4:10JAS 4:141PE 4:17
This sermon emphasizes the need for believers to have a deep revelation of the majesty of God and the accountability they will face at the judgment seat of Christ. It challenges the church to return to a place of true devotion, prayer, and obedience, living with eternity's values in view and being willing to be transformed by God's presence.
Still, Small Voices
By Carter Conlon83536:421KI 19:11PSA 46:10PRO 12:25PRO 15:23ISA 30:15ISA 41:10MAL 3:16LUK 2:10PHP 4:7COL 3:16This sermon from 1 Kings chapter 19 titled 'Still Small Voices' emphasizes the power of a small, still voice of God in times of discouragement and spiritual conflict. It highlights the need for believers to find strength and encouragement in God's quiet confidence, even amidst societal chaos and opposition. The message urges listeners to be ambassadors of God's power through speaking words of hope, peace, and faith to one another, trusting in God's sovereignty and provision.
How the Church Builds the Kingdom
By Stephen Kaung8121:12:56MAL 3:16MAT 6:10MAT 24:14ACT 17:11ROM 7:24HEB 12:28REV 12:11
This sermon delves into the significance of the church and the kingdom of heaven, emphasizing the need for believers to align themselves with God's will and purpose. It explores the responsibility of the church to preach and pray for the kingdom of heaven to come, and the importance of serving with reverence and fear. The concept of overcomers, those who trust in the blood of Jesus and bear testimony to His power, is highlighted as essential for believers to be prepared to meet the Lord.
It Is Time to Pray Now!
By Carter Conlon59809:54MAL 3:16
The sermon emphasizes the spiritual and social conditions of the last days as described in the book of Malachi, highlighting the distinction between the proud and the righteous. It encourages believers to find strength and hope in God's promises, to stand firm in faith amidst darkness and fear, and to pray boldly for God's miraculous intervention in these challenging times.
(Through the Bible) Malachi
By Zac Poonen45953:44MAL 1:1MAL 2:5MAL 3:1MAL 3:16MAL 4:5
This sermon delves into the book of Malachi, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness, purity, and reverence in serving God. It highlights the need for leaders to have a burden from the Lord, to be faithful in marriage, and to raise godly children. The sermon also contrasts Old Testament practices like tithing with New Testament principles of offering our bodies as living sacrifices. It concludes with a call to prepare for the coming of the Lord and to bridge generational gaps in families.
Week of Meetings 08 Saviour's Second Touch
By David Clifford3701:00:42MAL 3:16MAT 16:21MAT 16:24MRK 8:4In this sermon, the preacher shares a humorous anecdote about a preacher who unknowingly preached to an empty congregation. The sermon then focuses on the idea of the "second touch" as seen in Mark 8. The preacher explains how a man who was deaf and dumb received his healing after Jesus touched him twice. The sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual vision and the need for the touch of God to open the eyes of the spiritually blind.
When Jesus Draws Near
By Doc Greenway25930:53JesusPSA 119:105MAL 3:16MAT 6:33LUK 24:19In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of his father taking him for a walk on a dark night and teaching him to hold on to his hand. The speaker reflects on the importance of holding on to the Lord in times of darkness, suffering, and misunderstanding. He emphasizes the power of Jesus joining our company and how His presence can warm cold hearts. The speaker also discusses the idea that walking with the Lord is like a climb, where things that once seemed important no longer matter. He shares a story of visiting a non-Christian home where a tragic accident had occurred and feeling unsure of how to help. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of faith in God's word and the need to prioritize facts and faith over feelings.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
With these foolish speeches the prophet proceeds in Mal 3:16. to contrast the conduct of those who fear God, pointing to the blessing which they derive from their piety. Mal 3:16. "Then those who feared Jehovah conversed with one another, and Jehovah attended and heard, and a book of remembrance was written before Him, for those who fear Jehovah and reverence His name. Mal 3:17. And they will be to me as a possession, saith Jehovah of hosts, for the day that I create, and I will spare them as a man spareth his son that serveth him. Mal 3:18. And ye will again perceive the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not." אז, then, indicates that the conversation of those who feared God had been occasioned by the words of the ungodly. The substance of this conversation is not described more minutely, but may be gathered from the context, namely, from the statement as to the attitude in which Jehovah stood towards them. We may see from this, that they strengthened themselves in their faith in Jehovah, as the holy God and just Judge who would in due time repay both the wicked and the righteous according to their deeds, and thus presented a great contrast to the great mass with their blasphemous sayings. This description of the conduct of the godly is an indirect admonition to the people, as to what their attitude towards God ought to be. What was done by those who feared Jehovah ought to be taken as a model by the whole nation which called Jehovah its God. Jehovah not only took notice of these conversations, but had them written in a book of remembrance, to reward them for them in due time. Writing in a book of remembrance recals to mind the custom of the Persians, of having the names of those who deserved well of the king entered in a book with a notice of their merits, that they might be rewarded for them at some future time (Est 6:1); but it rests upon the much older idea, that the names and actions of the righteous are written in a book before God (cf. Psa 56:9; Dan 7:10). This book was written לפניו, before Jehovah, i.e., not in His presence, but in order that it might lie before Jehovah, and remind Him of the righteous and their deeds. ליראי is a dat. com.: "for those who fear God," i.e., for their good. חשׁב שׁם, to consider or value the name of the Lord (cf. Isa 13:17; Isa 33:8). This writing was done because the Lord would make them His own on the day of His coming, and show them mercy. Layyōm: for the day = on the day; the lamed denoting the time, as in Isa 10:3; Gen 21:2, etc. The day which Jehovah makes is the day of the judgment which attends His coming. Segullâh is the object, not to ‛ōseh, as we might suppose according to the accents, but to hâyū: they will be my possession on the day which I create. This is evident partly from a comparison of Mal 4:3, where the words יום אשׁר אני עשׂה recur, and partly from the original passage in Exo 19:5 : ye will be to me segullâh, i.e., a valued possession (see the comm.). The righteous will then be a possession for Jehovah, because on that day the glory of the children of God will first be revealed, and the Israel of God will reach the mark of its heavenly calling (see Col 3:4). The Lord will spare them in the judgment as a father spares his son who serves him. The expression to spare may be explained from the contrast to the punishment of the ungodly. In Mal 3:18 the prophet bids the murmurers consider what has been said concerning the righteous, by telling them that they will then see the difference between the righteous who serve God, and the wicked who do not serve Him, that is to say, will learn that it is always profitable to serve God. שׁבתּם before ראיתם is to be taken adverbially: ye will see again. The expression "again" presupposes that the difference between those who feared God and the ungodly was to be seen before, and that the Lord had already made it manifest by former judgments. This had been the case in Egypt, where the Lord had caused such a separation to be made (Exo 11:7). The words do not imply that the persons addressed had previously stood in a different relation to this question from that in which they were standing then (Koehler). ראה בין does not mean to look in between (Hitzig), but בּין is used in the sense of a substantive, signifying that which is between the two, the difference between the two. That בּין was originally a noun is evident from the dual הבּינים in Sa1 17:4, Sa1 17:23.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
"Then," when the ungodly utter such blasphemies against God, the godly hold mutual converse, defending God's righteous dealings against those blasphemers (Heb 3:13). The "often" of English Version is not in the Hebrew. There has been always in the darkest times a remnant that feared God (Kg1 19:18; Rom 11:4). feared the Lord--reverential and loving fear, not slavish terror. When the fire of religion burns low, true believers should draw the nearer together, to keep the holy flame alive. Coals separated soon go out. book of remembrance . . . for them--for their advantage, against the day when those found faithful among the faithless shall receive their final reward. The kings of Persia kept a record of those who had rendered services to the king, that they might be suitably rewarded (Est 6:1-2; compare Est 2:23; Ezr 4:15; Psa 56:8; Isa 65:6; Dan 7:10; Rev 20:12). CALVIN makes the fearers of God to be those awakened from among the ungodly mass (before described) to true repentance; the writing of the book thus will imply that some were reclaimable among the blasphemers, and that the godly should be assured that, though no hope appeared, there would be a door of penitence opened for them before God. But there is nothing in the context to support this view.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another,.... Abarbinel thinks this is a continuation of the speech of the wicked; observing, that while they that work wickedness were set up, and they that tempted God escaped punishment, they that were religious, and feared God, "were destroyed one with another", particularly by the plague; so he would have the word rendered, which we translate, "spake often one to another"; in which sense he observes that root is used in Hos 13:14 but rather this is opposed unto what they said, by such, who, at the time referred to (which seems to be between the time of Christ's coming, spoken of in the beginning of the chapter Mal 3:1, and the destruction of Jerusalem after mentioned), feared the Lord, and served him; embraced the Messiah, and professed his name; for the fear of God takes in the whole of religious worship, both internal and external; and describes such, not that have a dread of the majesty of God, and of his judgments and wrath, or distrust his power, providence, grace, and goodness; but who have a filial and holy fear of God, a fiducial and fearless one, a reverential affection for him, and are true and sincere worshippers of him: these "spake often one to another"; of the unbelief, impiety, and profaneness of men, with great concern and lamentation; and of the great and good things they were led into the knowledge of; the everlasting love of the Father in the choice of them, and covenant with them in Christ; of redemption by the Son; of the glories of his person, and the fulness of his grace; of the work of the Spirit of God upon their souls; and of the various truths of the everlasting Gospel; and of the gracious experiences they were indulged with; and all this they said for the glory of God's grace, and for the comforting and strengthening, and edifying, of each other's souls: it follows, and the Lord hearkened, and heard it; what they said one to another: this is spoken after the manner of men, and does not so much regard the omniscience of God, who hearkens and hears everything that is said by wicked men, as by good men; as his special regard unto, peculiar notice he takes of, and the approbation he has of his people, and of their words and actions, and even of their thoughts, as is afterwards intimated: and a book of remembrance was written before him; in allusion to kings that keep registers, records, annals, and chronicles, as memorials of matters of moment and importance: see Ezr 4:15 Est 2:23, otherwise there is no forgetfulness in God; he bears in his own eternal mind a remembrance of the persons, thoughts, words, and actions of his people, and which he will disclose and make mention of another day; even our Lord Jesus Christ, who is God over all, and who will let the churches and world know that he is the searcher of hearts, and trier of the reins of the children of men: for them that feared the Lord, as before, and that thought upon his name; either the name of the Father; not any particular name of his, by which he is known, but him himself; for, as Kimchi observes, his name is himself, and he himself is his name; and especially as he is in Christ, and proclaimed in him; and this is expressive of faith in him, love to him, and reverence of him: or the name of Christ; and not any particular name of his, unless it be Jesus the Saviour: but rather his person as the Son of God; his office as Mediator; and his blood, righteousness, and sacrifice: and it is not a bare thinking of him that is here intended, but such a thought of him as is accompanied with esteem and value for him, because of the dignity of his person, and the riches of his grace. The Septuagint and Arabic versions render it, "and that reverence his name"; and the Syriac version, "that praise his name"; and the Targum is, that think of the glory of his name.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:16-18 The prophet here serves as a recorder, reporting the audience’s reaction to his final message and God’s response to the discussion among those who feared the Lord. Although God listened to their deliberations (see 3:16), there is no evidence that Malachi’s message effected any real change in the majority of his listeners. 3:16 A scroll of remembrance—a Persian tradition—was a catalog of names with a record of events associated with those individuals. We are not told how many people signed the scroll. • Those who feared him were people who were loyal to the Lord as God, obedient to God’s commands, and righteous in conduct and worship.