Malachi 3:7

Malachi 3:7 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Yet from the days of your fathers, you have turned away from My statutes and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD of Hosts. “But you ask, ‘How can we return?’

King James Version KJV

¶ Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?

American Standard Version ASV

From the days of your fathers ye have turned aside from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith Jehovah of hosts. But ye say, Wherein shall we return?

Bible in Basic English BBE

From the days of your fathers you have been turned away from my rules and have not kept them. Come back to me, and I will come back to you, says the Lord of armies. But you say, How are we to come back?

Free Bible Version FBV

From the time of your forefathers onward, you have turned away from my laws and not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord Almighty. But you ask, “How should we return?”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

From the dayes of your fathers, ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and haue not kept them: returne vnto me, and I will returne vnto you, saith the Lord of hostes: but ye saide, Wherein shall we returne?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Even from the days of your fathers Ye have turned aside from My statutes, And ye have not taken heed. Turn back unto Me, and I turn back to you, Said Jehovah of Hosts. And ye have said, 'In what do we turn back?'

World English Bible WEB

From the days of your fathers you have turned away from my ordinances and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD of Armies. “But you say, ‘How shall we return?’

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Even from the days of your fathers ye have gone away from my ordinances, and have not kept them . Return to me, and I will return to you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, In what shall we return?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For from the days of your fathers you have departed from my ordinances, and have not kept them: Return to me, and I will return to you, saith the Lord of hosts. And you have said: Wherein shall we return?

Translation for Translators T4T

You and your ancestors have ignored my commands and you have not obeyed them. Now return to me; and when that happens, I will ◄return/do good► to you. That is what I, the Commander of the armies of angels, say.” But you ask, “We have never gone away from you, so how can we return to you?”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Malachi 3:7

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Malachi 3:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB לְ/מִ/ימֵ֨י אֲבֹתֵי/כֶ֜ם סַרְתֶּ֤ם מֵֽ/חֻקַּ/י֙ וְ/לֹ֣א שְׁמַרְתֶּ֔ם שׁ֤וּבוּ אֵלַ/י֙ וְ/אָשׁ֣וּבָה אֲלֵי/כֶ֔ם אָמַ֖ר יְהוָ֣ה צְבָא֑וֹת וַ/אֲמַרְתֶּ֖ם בַּ/מֶּ֥ה נָשֽׁוּב

לְ/מִ/ימֵ֨י yôwm H3117 day Prep | Prep | N-mp

אֲבֹתֵי/כֶ֜ם ʼâb H1 father N-mp | Suff

סַרְתֶּ֤ם çûwr H5493 to turn aside V-Qal-Perf-2mp

מֵֽ/חֻקַּ/י֙ chôq H2706 statute Prep | N-mp | Suff

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

שְׁמַרְתֶּ֔ם shâmar H8104 to keep V-Qal-Perf-2mp

שׁ֤וּבוּ shûwb H7725 to return V-Qal-Impv-2mp

אֵלַ/י֙ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

וְ/אָשׁ֣וּבָה shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Qal-1cs

אֲלֵי/כֶ֔ם ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

אָמַ֖ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms

יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

צְבָא֑וֹת tsâbâʼ H6635 army N-cp

וַ/אֲמַרְתֶּ֖ם ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-2mp

בַּ/מֶּ֥ה mâh H4100 what? Prep | Part

נָשֽׁוּב shûwb H7725 to return V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Malachi 3:7

לְ/מִ/ימֵ֨י yôwm H3117 "day" Prep | Prep | N-mp

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

אֲבֹתֵי/כֶ֜ם ʼâb H1 "father" N-mp | Suff

In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.

Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

סַרְתֶּ֤ם çûwr H5493 "to turn aside" V-Qal-Perf-2mp

To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.

Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed

Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.

מֵֽ/חֻקַּ/י֙ chôq H2706 "statute" Prep | N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a decree or law given by God, like the Ten Commandments. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy, guiding the Israelites' actions. This concept is essential to understanding God's expectations.

Definition: : decree 1) statute, ordinance, limit, something prescribed, due 1a) prescribed task 1b) prescribed portion 1c) action prescribed (for oneself), resolve 1d) prescribed due 1e) prescribed limit, boundary 1f) enactment, decree, ordinance 1f1) specific decree 1f2) law in general 1g) enactments, statutes 1g1) conditions 1g2) enactments 1g3) decrees 1g4) civil enactments prescribed by God

Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: appointed, bound, commandment, convenient, custom, decree(-d), due, law, measure, [idiom] necessary, ordinance(-nary), portion, set time, statute, task. See also: Genesis 47:22; Nehemiah 1:7; Psalms 2:7.

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

שְׁמַרְתֶּ֔ם shâmar H8104 "to keep" V-Qal-Perf-2mp

To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.

Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from

Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.

שׁ֤וּבוּ shûwb H7725 "to return" V-Qal-Impv-2mp

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

אֵלַ/י֙ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

וְ/אָשׁ֣וּבָה shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Qal-1cs

אֲלֵי/כֶ֔ם ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

אָמַ֖ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

צְבָא֑וֹת tsâbâʼ H6635 "army" N-cp

This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.

Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service

Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.

וַ/אֲמַרְתֶּ֖ם ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-2mp

בַּ/מֶּ֥ה mâh H4100 "what?" Prep | Part

This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.

Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may

Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.

נָשֽׁוּב shûwb H7725 "to return" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

Study Notes — Malachi 3:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Malachi 3:7 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Malachi 3:7
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Malachi 3:7
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Malachi 3:7
Trapp's Commentary on Malachi 3:7
Ellicott's Commentary on Malachi 3:7
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Malachi 3:7
Cambridge Bible on Malachi 3:7
Barnes' Notes on Malachi 3:7
Whedon's Commentary on Malachi 3:7
Sermons on Malachi 3:7

Context — Robbing God

5“Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts. 6“Because I, the LORD, do not change, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed.

7Yet from the days of your fathers, you have turned away from My statutes and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD of Hosts. “But you ask, ‘How can we return?’

8Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’ In tithes and offerings. 9You are cursed with a curse, yet you—the whole nation—are still robbing Me.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Zechariah 1:3	So tell the people that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Return to Me, declares the LORD of Hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Hosts.’
2	Romans 10:21	But as for Israel he says: “All day long I have held out My hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.”
3	Romans 10:3	Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.
4	James 4:8	Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
5	Deuteronomy 31:20	When I have brought them into the land that I swore to give their fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey, they will eat their fill and prosper. Then they will turn to other gods and worship them, and they will reject Me and break My covenant.
6	Hosea 14:1	Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled by your iniquity.
7	Jeremiah 3:12–14	Go, proclaim this message toward the north: ‘Return, O faithless Israel,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will no longer look on you with anger, for I am merciful,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will not be angry forever. Only acknowledge your guilt, that you have rebelled against the LORD your God. You have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every green tree and have not obeyed My voice,’” declares the LORD. “Return, O faithless children,” declares the LORD, “for I am your master, and I will take you—one from a city and two from a family—and bring you to Zion.
8	Nehemiah 9:28–30	But as soon as they had rest, they again did evil in Your sight. So You abandoned them to the hands of their enemies, who had dominion over them. When they cried out to You again, You heard from heaven, and You delivered them many times in Your compassion. You admonished them to turn back to Your law, but they were arrogant and disobeyed Your commandments. They sinned against Your ordinances, by which a man will live if he practices them. They stubbornly shrugged their shoulders; they stiffened their necks and would not obey. You were patient with them for many years, and Your Spirit admonished them through Your prophets. Yet they would not listen, so You gave them into the hands of the neighboring peoples.
9	Leviticus 26:40–42	But if they will confess their iniquity and that of their fathers in the unfaithfulness that they practiced against Me, by which they have also walked in hostility toward Me— and I acted with hostility toward them and brought them into the land of their enemies—and if their uncircumcised hearts will be humbled and they will make amends for their iniquity, then I will remember My covenant with Jacob and My covenant with Isaac and My covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land.
10	Isaiah 55:6–7	Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.

Malachi 3:7 Summary

[Malachi 3:7 is a call to return to God and follow His ways, which involves repenting of our sins and seeking forgiveness, similar to what is written in 1 John 1:9. When we turn away from God's statutes, we reject His laws and commands, but when we return to Him, He promises to return to us and bless us. This reciprocal relationship is rooted in our obedience and devotion to God, as seen in Jeremiah 29:12-13. By seeking God with a sincere heart and following His commands, we can experience His presence and blessing in our lives.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to turn away from God's statutes?

Turning away from God's statutes means to reject or disobey His laws and commands, as seen in Malachi 3:7, which is a call to return to God and follow His ways, similar to what is written in Deuteronomy 6:16-17.

How can we return to God?

Returning to God involves repenting of our sins, seeking forgiveness, and making a conscious effort to follow His commands and laws, as stated in Malachi 3:7 and supported by 1 John 1:9, which emphasizes the importance of confessing our sins to experience God's forgiveness.

What is the significance of God saying 'Return to Me, and I will return to you'?

This statement highlights the reciprocal nature of our relationship with God, where our obedience and devotion to Him are met with His presence and blessing, as seen in Malachi 3:7 and also in Jeremiah 29:12-13, which encourages seeking God with a sincere heart.

Why does God ask 'But you ask, 'How can we return?''

God asks this question to prompt the people to reflect on their actions and consider the ways in which they have strayed from His path, much like in Hosea 6:1-3, where the people are called to return to God with sincere repentance.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways in which I have turned away from God's statutes in my own life, and how can I make a conscious effort to return to Him?
How do I seek God's presence and blessing in my life, and what are some practical steps I can take to deepen my relationship with Him?
What are some areas in my life where I need to repent and seek forgiveness, and how can I make amends and start anew?
In what ways can I demonstrate my love and devotion to God, and how can I show Him that I am committed to following His ways?

Gill's Exposition on Malachi 3:7

Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances,.... Here begins an enumeration of the sins of the Jews, which were the cause of their ruin; and here is first a general

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Malachi 3:7

Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Malachi 3:7

Even from the days of your fathers: we need not fix a particular time or age wherein this apostacy began; it is an old apostacy that is here charged on them, and they were notoriously guilty of it. Ye are gone away; are turned away by the examples and by the corrupt doctrines of your fathers and false teachers; yea, you have voluntarily and of choice gone away. From mine ordinances; which either directed my worship, or your dealings one with another; so that you have sinned greatly by polluting my temple with your own additions or diminutions, with idolatry, or corrupt manner of performing my service; and you have sinned against one another by injustice, unfaithfulness, and cruelty, since you have gone away from my laws, which direct the way of righteousness and equity. And have not kept them: it is a further asseveration, confirming the truth of the charge, and added to make them more sensible of their sin. Some tell us that this chargeth on them their sins against negative precepts, as the other charged them with sins against positive precepts; so the whole law was now, and had long been, broken by their fathers and themselves. Return unto me; it is the only course you can take, repent ere it is too late, return whilst there is hope. And I will return unto you; I will yet pardon, accept you, establish, and bless you; amend your ways and doings, and I will soon amend the state of your affairs. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? as to other, so now to this advice, they return a proud, shameless, and self-justifying question; Wherein, or what is the evil from which we should return to thee? what is our sin?

Trapp's Commentary on Malachi 3:7

Malachi 3:7 Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept [them]. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?Ver. 7. Even from the days of your fathers, ye are gone away from mine ordinances] The more to magnify his own mercy (by a miracle, whereof they had hitherto subsisted, by an extraordinary prop of his love, and longsuffering), God sets forth here their utter unworthiness of any such free favour, by a double aggravation of their sins. First, their long continuance therein, so that their sins were grown inveterate and ingrained, and themselves aged and even crooked therein, so that they could hardly ever be set straight again. From the days of your fathers, &c.] q.d. Non hoc nuper facitis: nec semel ut erroris mereamini veniam: sed haereditariam habetis impietatem, &c., as Jerome paraphraseth this text. You are no young sinners; it is not yesterday, or a few days since, you transgressed against me; you are a seed of serpents, a race of rebels; you are as good at resisting the Holy Ghost as ever your fathers were, Acts 7:51. Secondly, their pervicacy and stiffness: they would not yield or be evicted. But ye say, wherein shall we return as if they were righteous, and needed no repentance. Still they put God to his proofs, as Jeremiah 2:35, and show themselves an unpersuadable and gainsaying people, Isaiah 65:2; and this had "been their manner from their youth," Jeremiah 22:21, when they were in Egypt, they served idols there, Ezekiel 16:26. In the wilderness they tempted God ten times, and hearkened not to his voice, Numbers 14:22. Under their judges, and then their kings, they vexed him, and he bore with them "till there was no remedy," 2 Chronicles 36:16. After the captivity they do antiquum obtinere, and are found guilty here of various omissions and commissions, calling for "a just recompence of reward," Hebrews 2:2. All which notwithstanding, Deus redire eos sibi non perire desiderat (Chrysolog.). God soliciteth their return unto him here by a precept and a promise, two effectual arguments, if anything will work; and ratifieth all with his own authority, which is most authentic, in these words, "saith the Lord of hosts." A style often given to God, as elsewhere in Scripture, so especially in these three last prophecies to the people returned from Babylon, because they had many enemies, and therefore had need of all encouragement. For God is called the Lord of hosts, quod ille numine suo et nomine terreat terras, temperet tempera, exercitusque tam superiores quam inferiores gubernet, to show that he hath all power in his hand, and doth whatsoever he pleaseth in heaven and earth (Alsted). , doctr. 1, and for the doctrine of returning to God (from whom we have deeply revolted) by repentance.

Ellicott's Commentary on Malachi 3:7

(7) Even from . . . fathers.—Throughout the whole course of their history they had been a people (Exodus 32:9, &c.); and now, when exhorted to repent, they ask in feigned innocence:— Wherein shall we return? . . . Return unto me . . . unto you.—Comp. Zechariah 1:3.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Malachi 3:7

Verse 7. Gone away from mine ordinances] Never acting according to their spirit and design. Return unto me] There is still space to repent. Wherein shall we return?] Their consciences were seared, and they knew not that they were sinners.

Cambridge Bible on Malachi 3:7

Ch. Malachi 3:7 to Malachi 4:3. Renewed Rebukes, Threatenings and Promises Ch. Malachi 3:7-12. Rebuke in the matter of Tithes and Offerings 7. Even from the days of your fathers] Omit even, with R.V. The connection with Malachi 3:6 is well given by Pusey: “Back to those days and from them, ye are gone away from My ordinances. ‘I am not changed from good; ye are not changed from evil. I am unchangeable in holiness; ye are unchangeable in perversity.’ ” gone away] Rather, turned aside, R.V., as the same word is translated elsewhere, e.g. Deuteronomy 17:20; Deuteronomy 28:14; Joshua 23:6; and with the metaphor completed, turned aside from the way, Exodus 32:8; Deuteronomy 9:12. Return unto me] Comp. Zechariah 1:3, where the word (turn, A.V.) is the same.

Barnes' Notes on Malachi 3:7

Even from the days of your fathers - Back to those days and from them ye are gone away from My ordinances. “I am not changed from good; ye are not changed from evil.

Whedon's Commentary on Malachi 3:7

THE OF TITHES AND , Malachi 3:6-12.Malachi 3:6 is somewhat obscure; therefore it is difficult to trace the exact relation of this section to the one preceding.

Sermons on Malachi 3:7

	Sermon	Description
	The Sin That Makes God Cry by David Wilkerson	In 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 ev
	The Last Day Return to Discernment Part 1 by Carter Conlon	In the video, Brother Tom Larkin shares his experience in Zambia, where he witnessed the transformation of children living in desperate conditions. These children were once hopeles
	Brokenness by Alan Andrews	In this sermon, the speaker discusses three themes: brokenness, integrity, and clarity of vision. He emphasizes the importance of experiencing brokenness in order to effectively mi
	Does Doctrine Matter - Part 10 by Derek Melton	In this sermon, the preacher, Nathan, emphasizes the importance of repentance and the need to experience it personally. He highlights the weight of our sin and God's glory, leading
	The Means of Grace by John Wesley	John Wesley emphasizes the significance of the means of grace in the Christian life, arguing that God has ordained certain outward practices, such as prayer, scripture reading, and
	The Resurgence of 1882 Onward by J. Edwin Orr	This sermon reflects on historical revivals and movements of God, highlighting the impact of spiritual awakenings in the past, such as the prayer movement of 1858, the surge of lay
	(Through the Bible) Zechariah 6-10 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of a change of heart and how it is only achieved through being born again. He emphasizes that while people may change their minds