Malachi 3:8
Verse
Context
Robbing God
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.
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
rob--literally, "cover": hence, defraud. Do ye call defrauding God no sin to be "returned" from (Mal 3:7)? Yet ye have done so to Me in respect to the tithes due to Me, namely, the tenth of all the remainder after the first-fruits were paid, which tenth was paid to the Levites for their support (Lev 27:30-33): a tenth paid by the Levites to the priests (Num 18:26-28): a second tenth paid by the people for the entertainment of the Levites, and their own families, at the tabernacle (Deu 12:18): another tithe every third year for the poor, &c. (Deu 14:28-29). offerings--the first-fruits, not less than one-sixtieth part of the corn, wine, and oil (Deu 18:4; Neh 13:10, Neh 13:12). The priests had this perquisite also, the tenth of the tithes which were the Levites perquisite. But they appropriated all the tithes, robbing the Levites of their due nine-tenths; as they did also, according to JOSEPHUS, before the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus. Thus doubly God was defrauded, the priests not discharging aright their sacrificial duties, and robbing God of the services of the Levites, who were driven away by destitution [GROTIUS].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Will a man rob God?.... Or "the gods"; the false gods, the idols of the Gentiles; the Heathens will not do that, accounting sacrilege a great sin, and yet this the Jews were guilty of: or "the judges" (c), as the Targum; civil magistrates; will any dare to defraud them of their due? see Mal 1:8. Yet ye have robbed me; keeping back from the priests and Levites, his ministers, what was due to them; and which, being no other than a spoiling or robbing of them, might be interpreted a robbing of God: But ye say, wherein have we robbed thee? as not being conscious of any such evil; or, however, impudently standing in it, that they were not guilty: to which is returned the answer, In tithes and offerings; that is, they robbed God in not giving the tithes, and not offering sacrifices, according as the law required: but it may be objected, that the Jews in Christ's time did pay tithes, even of all things; yea, of more than the law required, Mat 23:23 to which it may be replied, that though they gave tithes, yet it was , "with an evil eye", as Aben Ezra says; grudgingly, and not cheerfully, and with an evil intention; not to show their gratitude to God, and their acknowledgment of him as their Lord, from whom they had their all, but in order to merit at his hands; besides, our Lord suggests that they did not give to God the things that were God's, Mat 22:21 and the apostle charges them with being guilty of sacrilege, Rom 2:22 and, moreover, the priests might not give it to the Levites, as they ought; and which is what they are charged with in Neh 13:10 and Grotius says that they were guilty of this before the destruction by Vespasian, as appears by Josephus. (c) "deos, vel judices", Calvin, Drusius, Grotius.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:8-9 Malachi appeals to Judah for a comprehensive renewal of their practice of giving to the Lord. • Tithes, a tenth of the produce of the land, were required offerings (see Deut 12:6, 11, 17). Offerings were additional gifts or contributions made to the Lord or his sanctuary that included produce, material goods (such as construction materials or garments), or personal valuables (such as gold, silver, or precious stones). • Judah’s recent experience resulted from God’s curse (see Deut 28:20, 27). Malachi thus urgently called the community to repent, turn to the Lord, and do what the covenant required.
Malachi 3:8
Robbing God
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.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Testimony and Challenge
By Gladys Aylward8.6K1:31:04TestimonyGEN 24:14MAL 3:8MAL 3:10MAT 6:33MAT 10:37MAT 22:39In this sermon, the speaker shares their personal experience of being in China and looking after mules while others listened to a woman named Jeannie tell stories about Jesus. The speaker emphasizes the importance of giving everything to God, just as Gladys Aylward did when she was called to go to China. They explain that God is not asking for bits and pieces of ourselves, but for our complete selves. The speaker also shares how they longed to know the women in the village but were bound to a small courtyard, until they decided to surrender themselves to God and buy a child, which eventually led to them having 40 children.
Sermon on the Mount: Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit
By J. Glyn Owen4.9K50:51Sermon on the MountISA 6:1MAL 3:8MAT 5:3MAT 6:33LUK 18:13ROM 3:23EPH 2:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of looking at oneself in the light of the Word of God. He warns that without this self-reflection, one may believe the lies of men and be outside the kingdom of God. The speaker highlights the need to rely on the verdict of the Word of God, which reveals our true nature and our inability to do anything on our own. He then discusses the significance of Jesus as the king of the kingdom, who came to deliver humanity from sin and Satan. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the limited perspective of modern man, who is focused on material possessions and unaware of the spiritual decay happening around them.
Be Sure, Your Sin Will Find You Out
By Carter Conlon3.4K1:00:42SinPRO 24:11MAL 3:8GAL 6:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our hearts and loving our neighbors. He shares the story of a man who questioned who his neighbor was, and Jesus responds with the parable of the Good Samaritan, highlighting the need to help those who are beaten down by the devil. The preacher prays for God to speak to the church and asks to be a vessel for God's message. He then transitions to the topic of sin and uses the story of Paul's shipwreck to illustrate the importance of listening to God's voice and finding peace in the midst of storms.
(Exodus) Exodus 28:4-5
By J. Vernon McGee3.3K03:49ExpositionalEXO 28:4MAL 3:8MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of providing the best equipment for God's work. He refers to the story in Malachi where God accuses people of robbing Him. The speaker mentions that although he has never owned an exclusive car like a Cadillac, he believes that God's work should have the very best. He then refers to the garments worn by Aaron in the Bible, highlighting the use of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen to make them. The speaker concludes by sharing a personal anecdote about refusing an offer to buy him an exclusive car.
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.
The Difficulty of Escaping the Damnation of Hell (Reading)
By Edward Payson2.3K37:01Audio BooksJER 17:9MAL 3:8MAT 23:33LUK 15:7LUK 19:41ROM 8:7ROM 9:3In this sermon, the preacher addresses those who are focused on accumulating wealth and worldly possessions. He questions whether this is the right place to store their treasures and urges them to consider the importance of their eternal souls. The preacher emphasizes that if they still have any regard for God's word, they cannot be indifferent to the fact that they are likely to face final condemnation. He urges them to cherish their serious thoughts, avoid anything that may distract them, and diligently seek ways to strengthen their faith. The preacher also highlights the urgency of the situation, reminding the audience that many people around them are heading towards perdition without even realizing it, and that unless they turn to God for help, they too may face eternal torment.
Ways and Means of Recovery From Spiritual Decays
By John Owen1.3K1:24:28Audio BooksMAL 1:6MAL 3:8MAT 19:20LUK 5:3JHN 6:28In this sermon, the preacher addresses the mindset of some individuals who believe that if they fully commit to following God's word, they will have to give up their sinful desires and pleasures. The preacher offers a response to this concern by reminding the listeners of the disciples who had toiled all night fishing but caught nothing. Despite their disappointment, they obeyed Jesus' command to cast their nets once more and experienced an astonishing abundance of fish. The preacher encourages the congregation to persevere in their faith and obedience, even in the face of disappointments, and to trust in the potential for success that comes from following Christ's call. Additionally, the preacher warns against being deceived by common presumptions and urges the listeners to prioritize their relationship with Christ over worldly distractions and obligations.
10 Commandments - Part 4 (Stealing, Lying, and Coveting)
By Shane Idleman76247:46EXO 20:15PSA 96:1PRO 6:16MAL 3:8LUK 16:10This sermon delves into the importance of fully surrendering to God, focusing on Commandments 8, 9, and 10 from Exodus chapter 20. It emphasizes the need to reveal our hearts before God, addressing issues like stealing, lying, and coveting. The message highlights the significance of obeying God's commandments, the fear of God, and the transformation that comes from drawing near to Him in worship and holiness.
Jesus Christ Is Lord
By J. Glyn Owen55129:09Jesus ChristMAL 3:8MAT 6:33JHN 12:24ROM 6:13ROM 12:12CO 8:5PHP 2:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord. He explains that simply going through the motions of religious acts is not enough; our hearts must be fully engaged in our service to God. The preacher also highlights the need to offer our entire selves to God, including our bodies, as a living sacrifice. He references Romans 6:13 and Romans 12:1 to support his points. Ultimately, the sermon encourages believers to surrender their lives completely to God and serve Him wholeheartedly.
When You Do Good
By Shane Idleman30058:56MAL 3:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of giving with a cheerful heart, highlighting how giving releases us from idolatry and selfishness. It discusses the principle of reaping and sowing, showing that giving is a gauge of our spiritual health and maturity. The sermon also addresses the consequences of selfishness, lack of giving, and the blessings that come from being obedient in giving. It concludes with a call to examine our hearts before taking communion and a reminder of the urgency to repent and believe in Jesus before the day of judgment.
The Last Hour Sifting
By Brian Guerin444:07Generosity and HolinessSpiritual SiftingMAL 3:8Brian Guerin emphasizes the urgency of spiritual readiness in 'The Last Hour Sifting,' urging believers to allow God to sift out the chaff in their lives to prepare for His return. He draws parallels between the sifting by God, which leads to holiness and purity, and the sifting by the enemy, which seeks to expose weaknesses and sin. Guerin highlights the importance of living a generous life, rooted in biblical principles, and warns against the dangers of clinging to sin and mixture, as exemplified by King Jehoram. He encourages the congregation to embrace the sifting process as a means of becoming a pure and powerful bride for Christ. The sermon concludes with a call to prayer for the Holy Spirit to cleanse and prepare the hearts of the believers.
Why There Is No Revival
By James A. Stewart0ISA 42:8MAL 3:8JHN 16:14ACT 5:3ACT 5:31ROM 10:91CO 6:17EPH 4:4COL 1:18James A. Stewart delivers a powerful sermon addressing the lack of permanent revival work in the midst of believers, attributing it to the rejection of the supernatural, denial of the personality of the Holy Spirit, ignorance of the mystical body of Christ, by-passing the Lordship of Christ, and the stealing of the glory of God in modern Christian ministry. Stewart emphasizes the need for believers to return to a deep reverence for the supernatural power of God, the recognition of the Holy Spirit's authority and leadership, the unity of the body of Christ beyond denominations, the essentiality of acknowledging Christ's Lordship, and giving all glory to God alone.
Malachi 3:8
By Chuck Smith0GivingGod's ProvisionMAL 3:8Chuck Smith addresses the sensitive topic of giving in his sermon on Malachi 3:8, emphasizing that robbing God is akin to robbing a bank, as many are shocked by the former yet neglect their obligations to God. He highlights that giving is a privilege for believers, not a necessity for God, who owns everything and offers us the chance to invest in His kingdom. Smith encourages the congregation to prove God through their tithes and offerings, noting that while tithing is part of the law, we are now under grace, which calls for generous giving. He concludes with the promise of blessings for those who give, assuring that God will protect their harvests and provide abundantly.
How to Catch Up
By Arthur Vess0PRO 3:9MAL 3:8MAT 6:33LUK 6:382CO 9:6Arthur Vess addresses the excuse of delaying tithing to catch up on bills, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing God over financial obligations. He challenges the congregation to consider whether it is right to rob God by withholding tithes. Vess highlights the testimonies of many who found financial stability only after putting God first in their finances. The preacher encourages the congregation to trust in the principle of giving to God first, assuring that it leads to blessings and financial stability.
Sermon -- Prayer
By Martin Knapp0MAL 3:8JHN 14:13EPH 2:181TI 2:8JAS 4:8Revelation. J. H. Weber preaches on the importance of prayer, focusing on the conditions for successful praying as outlined in 1 Timothy 2:8. He emphasizes the need for believers to lift up holy hands, cleanse their hearts, pay their dues, and give generously to God without wrath or doubting. Weber highlights the significance of praying in the name of Jesus and seeking the Holy Spirit's conviction for the unsaved, rather than asking for their conversion directly.
Bible Survey - Malachi
By Peter Hammond0EZR 9:1EZR 10:10NEH 13:6MAL 1:1MAL 2:1MAL 3:1MAL 3:8Peter Hammond preaches on the Book of Malachi, the last Book of the Old Testament, which serves as a bridge to the New Testament. Malachi, God's messenger, delivers the last Word of God to the people of the Old Covenant, highlighting the faithlessness and backslidings of the people. The book addresses the sins of the priests and people, emphasizing the importance of honoring God, tithing, and maintaining faithful relationships. Malachi warns of God's judgment on the wicked and the promise of blessings for those who fear the Lord. The prophecy ends with a call to remember God's love, return to Him, and trust in His promises.
The Reformed Church
By J.H. Newman0ISA 41:10HAG 1:4HAG 2:5MAL 1:6MAL 2:1MAL 3:8MAL 4:1J.H. Newman preaches on the parallels between the state of the Jews after the captivity and the current state of Christians, emphasizing the decline in zeal, unity, and obedience in the Church. He draws comparisons between the Jewish polity after restoration and the secularization of the Christian Church, highlighting the challenges of the union of Church and State. Newman reflects on prophetic passages from the Prophets after the Captivity, applying them to the present times to shed light on the Church's struggles and trials. He concludes with texts offering hope to true Christians, reminding them of God's enduring presence and the promise of greater glory for the Church despite the current state of unbelief.
No Credit System
By Arthur Vess0LEV 27:30PRO 3:9MAL 3:8MAT 6:242CO 9:7Arthur Vess emphasizes the danger of using the tithe for personal needs and then returning it, leading to a path of backsliding from tithing and grace. He highlights that the tithe belongs to God's storehouse, the Church, and questions whether permission was sought from God and the Church before borrowing it. Vess warns about the consequences on the church's financial obligations if everyone borrowed the tithe, citing a personal example where financial and spiritual loss ensued from this practice.
Honest With God?
By Arthur Vess0MAL 3:8Arthur Vess addresses the issue of breaking vows made to God regarding tithing, emphasizing the importance of honoring commitments made in the presence of God and the church. He highlights the seriousness of neglecting tithing obligations and the sin of making false statements. Vess challenges the congregation to seek forgiveness if they have failed to fulfill their pledge and to uphold God's law by faithfully tithing. He questions whether individuals truly tithe in the sight of God, urging them to reflect on their actions and intentions.
Exodus 8:25
By Chuck Smith0Compromise in FaithFull SurrenderEXO 8:25MAL 3:8MAT 6:24MAT 13:22LUK 9:23ROM 12:12CO 9:71TI 6:10HEB 10:251JN 2:4Chuck Smith emphasizes the dangers of compromising one's faith while living in the world, illustrating how Pharaoh represents Satan's attempts to lead believers into half-hearted commitments. He argues that many Christians try to serve both God and worldly desires, which is impossible according to Christ's teachings. Smith warns against the temptation to keep one foot in the church while indulging in worldly pleasures, especially when it comes to raising children in faith. He stresses the importance of full surrender to God, including financial stewardship, and challenges the notion that tithing is outdated. Ultimately, he calls for a complete commitment to God, free from the distractions and compromises of the world.
The Complaints of Jehovah
By G. Campbell Morgan0Accountability to GodWorshipJOB 13:15MAL 1:6MAL 1:10MAL 1:13MAL 2:17MAL 3:8MAL 3:13MAT 5:23LUK 21:1G. Campbell Morgan addresses the seven complaints of God against His people, emphasizing their formalism and self-satisfaction. He highlights issues such as profanity, sacrilege, greed, weariness in service, treason against God's covenant, robbery from God, and blasphemy. The people respond to God's accusations with indifference, asking 'Wherein?' Morgan stresses that true worship requires honor and fear of God, and that offerings must come from a place of genuine sacrifice rather than obligation. He warns against the dangers of treating God with contempt through insincere worship and the consequences of excusing sin.
Human Depravity
By Edward Payson0EXO 20:3PSA 14:1MAL 3:8MAT 22:37JHN 5:39JAS 4:4Edward Payson preaches about mankind's tendency to disregard God's rights and promises, comparing it to how they fulfill promises made to each other but violate promises made to God. He highlights the ingratitude towards God, the tendency to blame Him for their faults, and the act of robbing God of their affections. Payson also emphasizes how the world becomes an idol to people, consuming their thoughts and actions while neglecting the Creator. He concludes by pointing out that how we treat the Bible reflects our feelings and dispositions towards God.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
rob--literally, "cover": hence, defraud. Do ye call defrauding God no sin to be "returned" from (Mal 3:7)? Yet ye have done so to Me in respect to the tithes due to Me, namely, the tenth of all the remainder after the first-fruits were paid, which tenth was paid to the Levites for their support (Lev 27:30-33): a tenth paid by the Levites to the priests (Num 18:26-28): a second tenth paid by the people for the entertainment of the Levites, and their own families, at the tabernacle (Deu 12:18): another tithe every third year for the poor, &c. (Deu 14:28-29). offerings--the first-fruits, not less than one-sixtieth part of the corn, wine, and oil (Deu 18:4; Neh 13:10, Neh 13:12). The priests had this perquisite also, the tenth of the tithes which were the Levites perquisite. But they appropriated all the tithes, robbing the Levites of their due nine-tenths; as they did also, according to JOSEPHUS, before the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus. Thus doubly God was defrauded, the priests not discharging aright their sacrificial duties, and robbing God of the services of the Levites, who were driven away by destitution [GROTIUS].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Will a man rob God?.... Or "the gods"; the false gods, the idols of the Gentiles; the Heathens will not do that, accounting sacrilege a great sin, and yet this the Jews were guilty of: or "the judges" (c), as the Targum; civil magistrates; will any dare to defraud them of their due? see Mal 1:8. Yet ye have robbed me; keeping back from the priests and Levites, his ministers, what was due to them; and which, being no other than a spoiling or robbing of them, might be interpreted a robbing of God: But ye say, wherein have we robbed thee? as not being conscious of any such evil; or, however, impudently standing in it, that they were not guilty: to which is returned the answer, In tithes and offerings; that is, they robbed God in not giving the tithes, and not offering sacrifices, according as the law required: but it may be objected, that the Jews in Christ's time did pay tithes, even of all things; yea, of more than the law required, Mat 23:23 to which it may be replied, that though they gave tithes, yet it was , "with an evil eye", as Aben Ezra says; grudgingly, and not cheerfully, and with an evil intention; not to show their gratitude to God, and their acknowledgment of him as their Lord, from whom they had their all, but in order to merit at his hands; besides, our Lord suggests that they did not give to God the things that were God's, Mat 22:21 and the apostle charges them with being guilty of sacrilege, Rom 2:22 and, moreover, the priests might not give it to the Levites, as they ought; and which is what they are charged with in Neh 13:10 and Grotius says that they were guilty of this before the destruction by Vespasian, as appears by Josephus. (c) "deos, vel judices", Calvin, Drusius, Grotius.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:8-9 Malachi appeals to Judah for a comprehensive renewal of their practice of giving to the Lord. • Tithes, a tenth of the produce of the land, were required offerings (see Deut 12:6, 11, 17). Offerings were additional gifts or contributions made to the Lord or his sanctuary that included produce, material goods (such as construction materials or garments), or personal valuables (such as gold, silver, or precious stones). • Judah’s recent experience resulted from God’s curse (see Deut 28:20, 27). Malachi thus urgently called the community to repent, turn to the Lord, and do what the covenant required.