Comments for December 31

42:2 - Here was the essence of what Job had to learn. As a result of this realisation, he was finally released from his suffering to a life of even greater blessing than previously. His much patience in sticking with God through the bad times was rewarded even in this life. As well as this, he was now in a position to be used as a covering for the sins of others - v.7-9. This must have been a greatly humbling experience for everyone concerned.

Job 41 - Yahweh continues to ask Job direct and specific questions.

Job 42 - So Job responds acknowledging that Yahweh has absolute power.

Job 42:3 and responds acknowledging that he is the one who Yahweh questioned Job 38:2 and he repents Job 42:6
So Yahweh rebukes Job's friends and blesses them. Job prays and sacrifices for them.

Everyone loves a happy ending - and in this case it seems to be happy both for Job and his friends, though only after the eating of a very large amount of humble pie. Let us be prepared to humble ourselves as they did, against all of our human tendencies and lusts, to be a priest in that day, when our blessings are multiplied without measure and we are granted eternal life.

Job 41 Having extracted from Job the acknowledgement that God is just God continues to question Job lest he forget his position. He has been allowed to speak with God - presumably through an angel - so lest he think that maybe he can now plead his own cause he is directed again to reflect on creation.

42:3 Whereas some might question who God is speaking of (38:2) whether He is speaking to Elihu or Job 42:3 shows that Job understood that he was the one who by his knowledge had tried to usurp the authority and position of Yahweh.

ch 42 - A KINGDOM PICTURE
I don't know whether this is the case or not, but I have been thinking about Job's reinstatement today and I think that maybe it is another of those little pictures of the kingdom. It's something to think about, anyway. Let me explain. In Job chapter 1, Job was the richest and most powerful man in the east. But then, suddenly and without notice he was hit by destruction and all he had was lost. In one day he went from being very rich to very poor. I see that as a picture of death. Judgement followed as Job's "friends" and God disputed with him. But Job had been faithful in his life and, having no worldly security to hide behind (riches, friends or power), he was in the end justified and redeemed by God. His sins were forgiven and Job was raised back up to beyond the status he had before. He far exceeded all that he ever had had. So too, in the kingdom, we will be richer than we ever dreamed of. But there is one last thing. Job was only given the same amount of children - not twice as much like everything else. I believe his first children who died will be with Job in the kingdom.

42:8 So, despite the fact that Job said he would not intercede for his friends (27:5) he does, at the instruction from God. Doubtless his friends turned up having been humbled and Job responds to the humility.

Job 41:1 Reptiles are often used to represent sin; i.e. the serpent; the dragon. We would suggest here, that the Leviathan (crocodile) is SIN. In the opening verses we see that the Leviathan can not be captured or tamed. Like each one of us, Job has very limited equipment to catch or control it, only a hook and a line. The leviathan (sin) could not be captured with this type of equipment. We can not capture sin with the equipment we have been provided with, it is only with God's help that we can destroy it. Job acknowledged that only God could overcome sin.(v.2) Man could not do it on his own.

Job 42:14. Of Job's ten children , only the three daughters are named. Does anyone have any thoughts as to why?

PRAY FOR FRIENDS
 
It is amazing how one little word can mean so much, yet we almost miss it.  It is the word "After." 
 
In this chapter we read of Job's humbling and repentance, God's anger against Job's friends, the sacrifices Job's friends made to the LORD, Job's prayer for his friends and the reinstatement and prosperity that followed in Job's life.  All this has a particular order and it is worth while taking note of the way these things happened before God made Job prosperous again.  The one that especially caught my eye was this: "After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before."
 
After is the important word.  Job had repented but God did not restore him to his former glory.  Job's friends had made their sacrifices but God still did not restore Job to his former glory.  It was only after Job had prayed for his friends that the LORD made him prosperous again. 
 
There is quite a powerful lesson here.  We may think that the actions of others and the sins of other people have nothing to do with us.  We may think that we should look after ourselves first, but God is just as interested in our friends and the people around us as he is in us.  It is our responsibility to do what we can for their spiritual health.  Let's start by praying for our friends.

The book of Job poses a timelessness that is so characteristic of eternal truth.

Job was willing to intercede for his three friends, those "miserable comforters". And God heard him, and accepted his prayer.  As soon as Job showed his love in this way, then God blessed him with twice as much as he had before."  Job was willing to intercede for his three friends, those "miserable comforters". And God heard him, and accepted his prayer.  As soon as Job showed his love in this way, then God blessed him with twice as much as he had before." 

42:11 - Satan from the first two chapters must have been an acquaintance of Job, perhaps he was converted.

42:14 - The names of Job's three new daughters may be of interest: "Jemimah" (3224) means "dove, warm, affectionate";  "Keziah" (7103) means "cassia, peeled, (plural) the bark"; "Keren-Happuch" (7163) means "horn of cosmetic, horn of beauty". Perhaps we have a message here of Christ and God's mercy. We have the dove which was sent out from Noah's ark, a symbolic baptism (1Pet 3:20), and the Spirit of God descended like a dove just after Christ's baptism (Matt 3:16-17). Job's illness and ugliness (sin?), which is the human condition as a result of Adam, was peeled back and he was given a renewal of skin, body and life. According to Smith's Bible Dictionary a "horn" is metaphorically used to signify strength and honour and it is being combined with "beauty" or "cosmetic" so perhaps it refers to the power and beauty that would/will come from Christ's sacrifice and the hope we have of new life and new bodies in Christ. Job 42:10,12,13 - Job was given double what he had before (Job 1:2-3) though only the same number of children which suggests the concept of resurrection additionally hinted at in Job 19:25-26 and perhaps additionally hinted at in that there were three (3 can refer to the resurrection/sacrifice) daughters and seven (7 can refer to the millennial day of rest) sons along with repeats of the numbers seven, three and five (which is thought by many to refer to mercy and grace) in Job 1:2-3.

42:11  That Job’s friends bemoaned him over all that the Lord had done to him indicates that they, like Job, came to an accurate understanding of the reality of Job’s situation.

41:1 The description of leviathan favours that of a crocodile.  The fact that it cannot be tamed is synonymous with sin in the flesh which cannot be tamed (Rom 7:18-20).

42:16 After his experience, Job lived 140 years.  The Septuagint says that Job was 70 years old when his trial began.  If that were the case, then Job would have lived about 210 years.  This kind of age was to be found in the time of the Patriarchs, which likely places Job in that era. 

42:7-9 Yahweh was angry with Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar.  He had Job make a sacrifice and a prayer for them.  Elihu was not on the list, which suggests that he was a messenger from Yahweh.

If one has true faith in Yahweh, he or she will not question Yahweh but accept that He is in control of everything.  Moreover, Yahweh has the welfare of the faithful at heart through good times and bad.  Job accepted this and was blessed by Yahweh with twice as many things as he had before.  The only exception was that he had the same number of children (10) as before.  This would still be double if we are to expect that his ten dead children will be resurrected to join him in the Kingdom.

42:4   Whereas Job’s comment “I will demand …” might be taken as a challenge to God in reality Job is responding to God’s – Job 38:3, 40:7 – challenge to Job. So Job, in his response, is acknowledging his insignificance in the presence of God.

PRAY FOR EACH OTHER

How powerful are your prayers?

The beginning chapter of Job told us about Job's prayers and sacrifices he made for his children. The last chapter of Job tells us how he was to pray for his friends. If there was any doubt about the fact that Job's prayers for his children were answered, it can be put to rest when we read the results of Job's prayer for his friends. "God said to Job's friends, 'My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly.' ... So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite did what the LORD told them; and the LORD accepted Job's prayer." (Job 42:8-9)

Have we ever wondered how much impact our prayers have on other people? Job's example shows us quite plainly that his prayers for both his family and his friends were heard and answered by God. We need to believe that our prayers have the same effect when we pray for our families and friends. I have seen lives change when people are prayed for.

I wonder if James was thinking of Job when he said, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (James 5:16) Let us also be powerful and effective by praying for each other.

41:11 God is here advising Job that He is not in any way indebted to Job – a point Paul makes – Rom 11:35 – which highlights the mercy of God. If He is not in debt to us then His offer of salivation is even more amazing.

42:10 In talking of turning the captivity of Job we see language which is used later to speak of the way in which God would save Israel from her captivity. Psa 126:1

II. Yahweh's second speech (continued).

     leviathan.

          Job 41:1-9 - can Job tame leviathan? if Job could bury all pride and wickedness he could save himself so perhaps we have early suggestion that the mighty behemoth and leviathan are personifications of pride and wickedness/sin (Job 40:12-14) - these animals live largely buried under the water which could be symbolic of their leading to death; "...skilled in stirring up 'their mourning'<3882>" (3882 is the same Heb. word as used for "leviathan" - is it possible Job in Job 3:8 is referring to a personification of sin?); "leviathan" used as a symbol for sin-powers (Pharaoh/Egypt Psa 74:13-14 - king of the North Isa 26:21;27:1); V1 - "Canst thou..." (this language suggests the "leviathan"<3882> was an animal familiar to Job - possibly a crocodile) - can't bridle leviathan or the tongue which is an unruly evil (James 3:2-8); V4 - leviathan (sin?) will not voluntarily submit; V5 - leviathan (sin?) is too dangerous to play with and can't be tamed; V9 - mere man can't subdue leviathan - mere man can't subdue sin as we need to be rescued by God through His Son (Rom 7:14-25); V9 - "vain"<3576> (Jer 17:9;James 1:13-16).

          Job 41:10-11 - who then can confront leviathan's maker?  V10 - Job would not be so foolish to antagonise a crocodile yet he was willing to antagonise its maker God whom he labelled as "cruel" (Job 30:21).

          Job 41:12-24 - the power of leviathan: V12-14 - the mighty power of the leviathan perhaps reminds one of the mighty power of sin; V15-17 - the sin of pride can be impenetrable; V19-21 - perhaps poetic hyperbole; V21 - fire from the mouth is dangerous and destructive (James 3:6-8); V23 - the flesh (sin?) is "firm"<3332> and cannot "be moved"<4131>; V24 - "His 'heart'<3820> is as 'firm'<3332> as a 'stone'<68>..." (Jer 17:9;Eze 36:25-27).

          Job 41:25-29 - man is ineffectual against his ferocity: mere man can't subdue sin (Rom 7:15-23); V25 - perhaps suggests the impotence of even the great men of faith in dealing with sin - "mighty"<410>, "breakings"<7667>, "they purify themselves"<2398>; V29 - "darts"<8455>. 

          Job 41:30-32 - he causes turbulence: sin causes disruption and turmoil wherever it goes - signs of its existence should alert the watchful.

          Job 41:33-34 - he is king of his domain: V33 - no fear of God; V34 - "high"<1364> (proud, haughty) - "he is a king over all the children of 'pride'<7830>" - (Rom 6:13-14 - sin shall not be the believers master as they are under grace).        

Job's second response to God.

          Job 42:1-6 - "now mine eye seeth thee": Job realized man needs humility to advance in spiritual understanding and his language is of complete reverence and submission to God; "...all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose (Rom 8:28); V2 - Job acknowledges God's power, "thought"<4209>; V5 - Job can now better "seeth"<7200> God - previously Job could not find God (Job 23:8-9) - Job's hope (Job 19:26-27) has been only partially fulfilled as he awaits the resurrection - God can be seen in his creation and control over creation (Rom 1:20;John 14:9;1:18); V6 - "...I 'abhor'<3988> myself...".

Job's restoration.

          Job 42:7-9 - God's verdict: V7 - Eliphaz introduced the erroneous theory of exact retribution into the dialogue (Job 4:7); V7-8 - God refers to Job as "my servant" four times; V8 - 7 bullocks and 7 rams are linked with true worship/understanding (1Chron 15:25-26;2Chron 29:20-21;Eze 45:22-23) - some associate the number "7" with the millenial day of rest/peace and/or spiritual perfection (God's seal or covenant number) - perhaps reminds us of the perfect sacrifice that saves all who correctly associate with it (Heb 10:10-14); V9 - the prayer of Job was accepted - Job who sought a "daysman" (Job 9:33) or "mediator" (1Tim 2:5) became one for his friends.

          Job 42:10-11 - Job's rehabilitation: V10 - Job (like Jesus) had understanding, humility before the Almighty, agape love, and while still in agony prayed for his friends not treating them as they treated him (Luke 23:34;1Tim 1:15) - thus he became rehabilitated with God; V11 - the affliction on Job (like that of Jesus) came from God (Isa 53:10-11) but ultimately bore fruit - Job (like Jesus) had his brethren forsake him (Job 19:13-14) but they came back to him just as they will come back to Christ (Zech 12:10).

          Job 42:12-15 - God blesses Job: V13 - perhaps Job's 3 daughters symbolize the true believing faithful bride of Christ (2Cor 11:2;Rev 19:7-8); V14 - "Jemma"<3224> (can mean "dove") and "dove" is used in reference to the bride of the Beloved (Song 1:15;4:1;6:9) - "Keziah"<7103> is "cassia" which is the base of an aromatic substance in the garments worn by the Messiah when he meets his bride (Psa 45:7-9 - Psa 45:8 - "cassia"<7102>) - "Kerenhappuch"<7163> (from two Heb. words "qeren"<7161> and "puk"<6320>)  - "puk" is associated with precious items for incorporation into the temple (1Chron 29:2 - "glistering"<6320>) and is also linked to a once barren bride being blessed by her divine husband (Isa 54:11,5-6 - Isa 54:11 - "fair colours"); V15 - Job's daughters (even though the fairest in the land) receive an inheritance to which they were not entitled nor had earned nor were expected to receive(Num 27:3-4;Job 1:4) and are representative of the recipients of God's mercy and grace - eternal life on earth when Christ returns is the unearned gift of grace from our Father (Rom 6:23;Matt 6:10;5:5) to those who are part of the bride of Christ.

God is like...

Chapter 41 is about the Leviathan, but these verses can be applied to God too. Specifically in v11-12 God likens Himself to that fearsome animal, and says:

"if no-one is fierce enough to stir up the Leviathan; how will anyone stand against Me?"

So God is able to show his attributes to Job in a comparison with animals and nature, so that Job can say "now my eye sees You" (42:5). Can you find where some of the verses in ch41 apply to God in other Bible passages?

Job 42:13-14

“…He had also seven sons and three daughters. And he called the name of the first, Jemima, and the name of the second, Kezia, and the name of the third, Keren-happuch.”

The Targum reads: “… he called the one Jemima, because her beauty was as the day; the other he called Kezia, because she was precious like cassia; and another he called Kerenhappuch, because great was the brightness of the glory of her countenance, as the emerald.”

Jemima comes from the root word yowm,  <3117> – “… a day…” Job’s first daughter represented the day after his long “night.”

Kezia, or Cassia, was one of the herbs in the holy anointing oil (Exo 30:24-25) used for healing, prayer, sanctification and worship – all of which applied to Job in the end.

Keren-happuch means, “horn for paint,” "paint" being <6320> puch (puwk), “fair colours, glistening, paint.” Concerning God’s house and Jerusalem’s future glory we read in Isa 54:11, “I will set thy stones in fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires” (see also 1Chron 29:2;Rev 21:18-21). Note the progression – from darkness to light to healing to glistening lively stones (1Pet 2:5)!

Their names not only describe Job's feelings, his healings, and his desire, but ours as well, and that is to perpetuate God's great goodness as we await an inheritance among our brethren in the Age to come.

42:5  It is very easy to know about God. We can easily learn the facts about Him. It is a far more difficult thing to know Him as an individual. However that is what we are expected to Do. We must move from knowing about God to having a relationship with Him. The Bible shows us His mind. Reading it will enable us to understand how His mind works and in so doing we will get to know Him.

41:1-34           Job is now asked to consider another animal of God’s creation. Again Job is challenged to understand that he does not understand another small aspect of His creation.

42:5    Of course Job had not seen God in a visual sense. It was his understanding the had changed. For a similar example see Eph 1:18

42:4     When Job speaks of putting his hand to his mouth as an indication of his error we see what is meant in Prov 30:32.

THE LESSON OF JOB

ch 42 After almost forty chapters of arguments between Job and his friends, we reach the climax of the book when God finally confronts Job and the truth is revealed. The problem is, God's answer is not the answer we wanted. We wanted something that would either prove Job right, tell us what happened to Satan and his schemes, or prove Job's friends right. In effect, we get none of that. Instead God bombards Job with examples of his power, wisdom, timelessness and creativity, and both Job and his friends are humbled before him.

But even now the same debate comes up time and again. Why does God allow suffering? Why do good people suffer? Why doesn't God just knock the wicked on the head and get rid of them? Perhaps this is because there is still a lesson to be learnt. The lesson is not the rights or wrongs of any given situation, but a lesson in humility. We don't know the ins and outs of any situation, so how can we make any judgement about it?

By humbling ourselves as Job did, we may not understand any more than what we do now, but we will grow closer to God, learn and think more of him, and think less of ourselves.

41:4-7 Notice the number of questions that God challenges Job with. It is a relentless barrage to help Job to see his position. It is not a tirade designed to destroy Job (as we often do in arguments) rather it is an appeal from God to recognise the truth. This should always be our motivation when in discussion.

Job 42:12

“So the LORD (Yahweh) blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning…”

The book of Job is an amazing, incredible story that has baffled, perplexed, and astonished its readers for many generations. While there are those who believe Job was a fictitious character, Adonai Yahweh, Himself, proclaimed him to be a real person and places him with Daniel and Noah(cf. Eze 14:14,20)!

Job was an amazing man whose life has deep, awesome, and penetrating lessons for us. Job was described by the Elohim as, “… perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil (Job 1:1,8; 2:3), yet Eliphaz accused him with so many lies (Job 22:5,9,23), forgetting the words he spoke earlier (Job 4:3,4). Bildad, told Job to repent for his wrongs (Job 8:5,6; Job 25:4). Zophar echoed similar sentiments (Job 11:1-5). Despite these self-appointed critics who attempted to find fault with Job, the simple truth is that Job was a righteous man!

Job had FAITH and a RIGHT ATTITUDE toward Yahweh and would not compromise with evil (cf. Job 1:20-22; Job 19:25,26; Job 27:5,6; Job 29:12-17). This was the man whose children, herdsmen, and servants were all killed, his wealth and possessions gone, and then plagued with such a horrible disease that he was barely recognizable (Job 2:11,12)! Despite all, Job did not rail, criticize or deny Elohim for allowing all these tragedies in his life. Job meekly surrendered and accepted it as the will of Elohim, though he did not understand it.

When our trials seem unrelenting, no intermission, no cessation, how would we react?

We may feel distraught and express Job’s sentiments as read in Job 6:8 in wanting to die. His wife told him, “… curse God and die” (Job 2:9). Some tragically do commit suicide. Do we not believe that our life is not our own, that we have been bought with a price (1Cor 6:19,20)? If it is not Yahweh’s will to release us from tragedies, then we must submit to what He permits; we must accept and not go against His will, especially in committing suicide (Job 2:10)! It is not for us to ask, “Why?” The paradox of the ages, as to why evil befalls good people, neither philosophers nor the world can answer.

Job’s friends were correct only in that Elohim punishes sinners, that none can hide his sins from Him. Their sin was their “failure to speak rightly concerning my servant Job” (Job 42:7,8). They based their assumptions solely on evidence of Job’s sufferings and missed the real point. They were quick to judge and condemn Job for imagined sins, but Job prayed they may be forgiven (Job 42:8).

The life of Job is a type – a figure for us- of the kind of suffering, affliction, and reproach we must go through to build the kind of character worthy of Yahweh’s free gift of eternal life. Every child of Yahweh will go through trials and tribulations and those who endure to the end will be saved (Acts 14:22; Matt 10:22,38,39). Through it all, our latter end will be truly glorious.

42:7     In saying that the friends had not spoken that which was right about Job we see an echo of Job’s own comment –  27:5 – about, at least, Bildad.

42:6   Job abhors himself not in some general way but because he has so misunderstood God and His plan with Job.  This is true repentance demonstrated by Job.

42:8,10   So maybe here we have the basis for Jesus’ words – Matt 5:44 – where Jesus teaches that his disciples should pray for others – even those who persecute.

41:1-4 Adam had been given “dominion” over the animal creation – Gen 1:26 – but now, since Adam’s sin, that dominion had been lost. This is one aspect of what God is saying to Job.

Job 42

The life-saving extract we may take from the Book of Job is that Job knew God, and on this basis of faith and love, he endured with patience his sufferings. We read in Jer 9:23,24 that man is not to glory in his wisdom, might, or riches, “But let him that glorieth, glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me…”

To know (ginosko) God is so much more than just knowing about God. Knowledge of the Bible can and may actually get in our way of truly knowing God. To really get to know anyone is to have a personal relationship with them, and it is no different when it comes to our Father. Knowledge helps us get there, but in and of itself, it is not enough. Job was outstanding in this regard for despite all his possessions, riches and wealth, he knew God, and when he lost everything, he accepted it, because he still had God. What an outstanding man he truly was!

Contrast Job’s three friends who by their very accusations against Job revealed that they did not know God despite their knowledge of the Scriptures (cf. 1Sam 16:7)! What does this say about how we interact with each other? Though the odds did not appear to be in favour of Job, though through all his losses, pain, and suffering it appeared God had forsaken him, Job did not turn away from God. You see, Job knew God and God knew Job. They had a beautiful personal relationship and Job would not let go of it and surrendered to his trials. Job cleaved to his God despite everything because his relationship with Him meant more than anything else. Job understood that no matter what, though worms destroy his body, yet in his flesh he will some day see God (Job 19:26). We can only have this kind of faith, the kind even Abram had, if we have that kind of love. When we truly agape love someone, we trust them implicitly; we have faith, which includes trust, in them.

Despite appearances, despite our sorrows, pain, and suffering, our Heavenly Father is with us; He is our refuge; He will get us through it (Psa 46). Our faith and our love will strengthen us and get us through whatever challenges in life we faced and will face. If we endure patiently our trials in faith, as Job did, and if we agape love the Father, as Job did, our love being rooted in the faith, we will inherit eternal life, too.

We read in James 1:12, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”  We also read in 1Cor 13:2, “… and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing.” Eternal life comprises faith and love, it’s not just about faith, as may be interpreted if we only reference Heb 11, “by faith,” and, thus, lose sight of love. Hence, it is so vital to compare Scripture with Scripture.

The kind of faith that is pleasing and acceptable to God is rooted in agape love; and conversely, love is rooted in the faith, and we shall do well if we keep this always in remembrance (2Pet 1:7,12,15).

42:2 This should be the point that we arrive at in our lives. A recognition that we are in no position to question God’s ways. Hopefully we can reach that position without going through the traumas that Job experienced.

42:7 We must understand Job’s words against the background of God’s comment here. He says that, unlike the friends, Job has spoken “right” about God.

4:1 - If we are burned, we are left with nothing. We must ensure, therefore, that we are able to withstand this fiery judgement, having become gold, silver or precious stones, that will stand the fire and escape beyond it. 1 Cor.3:11-14

3:1 Behold I will send my messenger and he shall prepare the way before me. Matthew 11:10, Mark 1:2, Luke 1:76
3:2 who shall stand Revelation 6:17
3:7 return unto me Zechariah 1:3
3:10 storehouse Deuteronomy 28:8
3:10 pour you out a blessing Deuteronomy 28:8
3:17 I will spare them as a man spareth his own son Psalm 103:13

Similarities with the time of Nehemiah

3:8 tithes and offerings Nehemiah 13:12

3:5 The oppression of 'the widow and the fatherless' draws on the law of Moses Exodus 22:22 And even though Zechariah appeals to the law of Moses as a basis for living and treating such people. Zechariah 7:10 Only a short while later Malachi Malachi 3:5 has to reprove the same people on the same matter.

4:1 Stubble Obadiah 18
4:3 tread down the wicked Zechariah 10:5
4:6 turn the hearts of the fathers to the children Luke 1:17

4:5 John Baptist was not 'Elijah' John 1:21 Elias will come and cause repentance Matthew 17:10 Mark 9:11 Jesus says 'Elias will come ...' Matthew 17:11 Mark 9:12 John came only in 'spirit of Elijah' Luke 1:17 The 'day of the LORD' which is to come in Zechariah 14:1 is associated with the return of Christ in the contemporary prophet. Malachi 4:5

3:1 contains familiar words, immortalised in Handel's Messiah, but note the word 'suddenly'. As we make our New Year resolutions tonight let us bear this in mind - one day - SUDDENLY - the Lord will come to his temple, and few will abide the day of his coming - only those righteous by the mercy of the Almighty God of Heaven and Earth.

3:7 In saying 'return unto me' to the priests there may well have been some confusion. As they were so complacent they may well have responded 'we have returned from Babylon, what do you mean return?' It is easy to forget that we have been bought with a price and therefore have to change our lifestyle

4:3 'Tread down your enemies' quotes the earlier prophet after the exile - Zechariah 10:5. So despite having fallen from the high point at the time of the return there is still time and opportunity for repentance.

GET TALKING!
"Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honoured his name. 'They will be mine,' says the LORD Almighty, 'In the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them...'" Here we have one definition of those that fear the LORD. They were the people that talked with each other, and we can imply from this that their discussions were of the LORD. They discussed Godly things together. They had to get together to talk. And so the lesson we can learn from this is that one of the most important things we can do in this life is to get together with other believers and talk with them. Let's not limit our discussions to the weather and work, but especially discuss the faith we hold and encourage each other to be prepared for the return of Christ (and may it be soon). And the reward for encouraging each other is that a book of remembrance has been written for us and that we will become part of God's treasured possession. It is a great reward to be called "mine" by God and to be his treasured possession. So get together and get talking today!

3:3 In speaking of the purifying of 'the sons of Levi' Malachi is continuing his reproof of the priesthood. Whilst these words speak prophetically of the work of Jesus they had an application in the days of Nehemiah when he sought to rid the nation of a corrupt priesthood.

4:4 The exhortation to 'remember the law of Moses …' Malachi is directing the priests to whom he is speaking to the true source of wisdom and knowledge. At this time they were more interested in sealing political alliances with the people in the land as Nehemiah describes. E.g. Nehemiah 6:18 13:28

TITHES AND OFFERINGS - THE TEST!

Here is the challenge to put God to the test! "'Test me in this,' says the LORD Almighty." God challenges the people in the days that Malachi prophesied to give Him a tenth of their earnings and to provide Him with the appropriate offerings they were required to give. They were giving God much less than the ten percent they should have been giving. So God challenged them and made a deal. If they would give Him the tithe and the offerings - even though it might hurt a little bit, He would open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that they would not have enough room for it all!

Have you ever tried testing God in the same way? I believe he is still willing to be put to the test. One tenth of our income can hurt the pocket and we will certainly notice the pinch, but I have always found that God will pour out his blessings on us if we give to Him. We should also give him ten percent of our time. It can be hard to do, but in giving it to Him, He will bless us with what seems like so much more.

So test Him in this and see if He will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing on you that you will not have room enough for it.

Mal 3:16. Them that feared the LORD and that thought upon His name

We are also exhorted to think upon the name of God.

To LOVE:         Psa 119:132.
To EXALT:       Psa 68:4.
To KNOW:       Isa 52:6.
To REMEMBER: Psa 20:7.
To BLESS:          Psa 96:2
To FEAR:            Psa 6:10.
To TRUST:         1Cor 1:9.
To PRAY UNTO:   Psa 140:13

3:12 "delightsome land" alludes to Isa 62:4 "Hephzibah"  - so Malachi is looking to the time of restoration of the Jews in a time of peace and safety. Remember he is saying this in the days of Nehemiah.

4:5 In saying Elijah will be sent "before <06440> the coming ..." we should beware that the word speaks of location not time. It is the word elsewhere typically translated "presence" (Gen 3:8) or "face" (Exo 34:35)

3:6 The fact is that neither God or Israel had changed. There is consistency in God's dealings with men. He who once loved Jacob (1:2) did not cease to love his sons, though they continued to take after their father and were cheats and supplanters (Gen 27:36, Mal 3:5). The parallelism accentuates God's goodness.

Mal 3:1; Matt 11:7-10;Luke 7:27-28;Mal 4:5;Matt 11:13-14 - Who do we look to prior to Christ's second coming - John the Baptist, Elijah, someone else?

a) The Old Testament concludes with a reference to Moses and Elijah. Both of these worthies had been to Horeb, the Mount of God.  Moses had received the great law on that mountain, (Exo 19:16-20), and Elijah had been given the wonderful signs of wind, earthquake and fire (1Kin 19:11,12). Both had heard God’s Voice. These two men therefore become the symbol of the Law and the Prophets.
b) It’s wonderful to realise that the Old Testament concludes with “a curse”. Then the New Testament opens with a blessing, actually quoting the Malachi reference, but with a difference. Do notice how, in Luke 1:17, the angel changes “Lest I come and smite the earth with a curse” into “To make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” That’s the joy and the comfort of the New Promise.

3:1       The first fulfilment of ‘the messenger of the covenant’ was Nehemiah who returned to Jerusalem after being absent for some years only to find that the good that he had started had decayed into godlessness.

4:1        The idea of the wicked being like stubble is taken up by John the Baptist in Matt 3:12 

3:16 We have here a remnant that is an example to us in the 21st. century. Being with, and talking with those who we share the hope of salvation that we have, will assist us centre our thoughts on Him who controls all things, will help refresh and strengthen us as we wait for our king to return and set up his promised kingdom.

4:6 ‘He shall turn … children’ is quoted by the angel of John the Baptist in Luke 1:17 showing that John was a fulfilment of this promise.

4:6 The warning that closes the Old Testament is not absent at the end of the New Testament (Rev 22:10-15), the difference however is that at the end of the New Testament, grace has the last word. Rev 22:21

3:1    In speaking of the “messenger of the covenant” Malachi is speaking of the covenant that the people made in Neh 10:29

3:1 is reflecting Isa 40:3-5 and is talking about John the Baptist (Matt 3:3; 11:10).  John was the friend of the bridegroom, responsible for preparing the wedding.  When the bridegroom (Jesus) came to claim His bride (the ecclesia), the job of the friend of the bridegroom was done (John 3:28-30).

3:17 The KJV, unfortunately, calls those claimed by Yahweh as jewels. This is a poor translation of the Hebrew segullah.  Nowhere is Yahweh's elect called jewels.  A better translation, which the ESV makes, is treasured possession (peculiar treasure).

4:2 Wings in Hebrew is kanaph which relates to the hem of a garment. All Hebrews had to have a ribbon of blue around the hem of their garments (Num 15:38,39). Blue is a heavenly colour - a reminder of Yahweh and His commandments. The Gospel record shows the healing power of Jesus' wings (Matt 9:20,21; 14:36).

l 3:3 In saying ‘he shall purify the sons of Levi’ we are learning how the priesthood will be established when Jesus returns and the temple will be built. Whereas the Jews cannot ascertain their lineage now Jesus will achieve this, rather like the ‘Urim and Thummim’ did so after their return from Babylon – Ezra 2:63

4:2  The woman with the issue of blood recognised the healing that was in the hem, or skirt, of Jesus' garment Matt 9:20.  Clearly, she knew her Scriptures and the cleansing aspect of the blueness of a wound Prov 20:3.  She must also have been familiar with Mal.4:2 - But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings. The Hebrew word translated as "wings" is the same word as "skirt" in Zech 8:23

3:17 The idea of being ‘jewels’ picks up the idea of the ‘crown’ is Isa 62:3

The Silversmith's Reflection

What does it means  “And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver"?

In the process of refining silver, raw metal is heated and impurities are separated the gross.

The silversmith must sit with his eyes steadily fixed on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining is exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured. God likewise sees it needful to put His children into a furnace of trial: His eyes are steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for them. Our trials do not come at random: "the very hairs of our head are all numbered." The only way to know when the purifying process is complete is  . . . when he can see his own image reflected in the silver.

"Let us make man in our image, in our likeness…” (Gen.1:26)

4:1    Israel were  a ‘vine’ that God had planted  - Psa 80:8. So these words of the prophet which have passed into colloquial use have a very profound force that our rather casual use diminishes. Malachi is speaking of a tree that is going to be totally removed. The branches will be removed so there will be no evidence of the tree and then the root removed so that it cannot re-grow.

Mal 3:1; 4:5-6

“... Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.”

It is often believed that this prophecy was fulfilled in John the Baptist, but when he was asked if he was Elijah or some other prophet he answered, “I am not,” “I am not,” “No” (John 1:19-21). Rather, he testified that he was “the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord” (John 1:21,23) as prophesied in Isa 40:3.

In Matt 11:14, Jesus testified of John the Baptist, “And if ye will receive it, this is Elijah, which was for to come.” Check out also these passages: Matt 17:10-13; Mark 9:11=13. Did Jesus tell us that John the Baptist is the Elijah of Mal 4:5? John the Baptist said he was not. Did Jesus contradict him?

This can be understood when we read Luke 1:16-17. John was not sent in the person of Elijah, but ordained by God to prepare the way for Jesus at his FIRST COMING in the spirit and power that Elijah possessed. This does not deny that Elijah himself will actually come again in his physical presence when Jesus returns to earth, but is rather a partial fulfilment. In Christ’s day most of the Jews rejected him while the Gentiles accepted him.

The mission of Elijah is to prepare for the SECOND COMING of Christ, before “the great and terrible day” of the tribulation period. Elijah’s preparatory work will be to prepare the Israelites for their Messiah, to “turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers” in its totality. When Jesus reveals himself to them, they will “look upon him whom they have pierced and mourn for him” (Zech 12:10). The Jews will now accept him while most of the Gentiles will reject him!

                                                             Scroll of rememberance

we are living in days when evil is termed good and the good seen as being archaic or primitive. Its very easy for us to lose sight of the blessed hope we share.  We may see ourselves as having worn ourselves for nothing and think that the better we had spent our time in the world than to come to 'this Jesus' who cannot even serve himself from the cross(as some said).At times we would be found complaining about the seeming silence of God when we would want him to speak. 

All these thoughts would only serve to wear us out and make us bitter about ourselves and even those in our number. They would see our grip on the Lord loosening and our life becoming a life of regrets,complains and blame games. Such is man when left to see things for himself.He is limited by time and his view of tomorrow depends on the circumstances of today.

We should however not tear ourselves for feeling that way. It is the weakness of the flesh that draws us to such thoughts. To overcome this we should know and remember that God's purpose stands sure whatever circumstances may be. We should recall to mind that this is not our resting place, we are looking forward to a Jerusalem whose builder and maker is God. If we are to seek the difference between those who know God by measuring ourselves with those outside God's covenant with Abraham we shall pierce ourselves with many sorrows and griefs. This is is not the time to look for the distinction between those who know God and those who do not.

instead we should rejoice in this one thing, that our names are written in heaven; and they will continue to be written as long as we continue to talk to each other even when the world taunts us. In those times when we are all alone seeking the comfort of brethren, speaking to each other in hymns and psalm,s God listens and hears and declares that we shall be his.

May then the ills of today not weigh us down, but strengthen more our faith in Jesus and tighten our grip on him until that day when the names in the scroll of remebrance shall be read out and the distinction between the righteous and wicked shall be made manifest.

Mal 3:2

"But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth?"

In Amos 5:18, the prophet also asks: “Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD (Yahweh)! To what end is it for you? The day of the LORD is darkness, and not light.”

When the news came that the long-promised Messiah was born, all Jerusalem were troubled (Matt 2:1-3)! As long as the Messiah remained away, they could boldly declare that they were ready and waiting for him, but when they received the news of his arrival they were troubled!

Did the Israelites neglect their daily readings, and thus failed to obtain a more accurate picture of the promised Messiah? No, they did not neglect to read their Old Testament Scriptures. The apostle Paul tells us in Acts 13:27 they read them every Sabbath day, but they gained nothing from their readings. They did not know “the voices of the prophets.” The problem was they did not understand what they read because they read them as a religious duty or ritual. The Word was not read to gain instruction; they thought they knew it all, and because they regarded themselves as a separate and holy people full of wisdom and knowledge, they were completely oblivious to the fact of how unreceptive they really were to the Word!

There is a cryptic warning for us in Matt 24 and Rev 13 about being deceived. We who believe and await the Second Coming of Messiah must not allow misguided dogmatism to steer us into complacency. Will we feel frightened and troubled when Messiah returns because events were contrary to how we understood Scripture? The consequences of Israel’s ignorance were calamitous. “Many” will not be able to abide Messiah’s Second Coming. To them it will be a day of darkness.

Mal 3:6

"For I am the LORD (Yahweh), I change not... "

This verse asserts that the LORD is unchanging. However, we read in Gen 6:6, “And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth… it grieved him at his heart.” Likewise in Jon 3:10, “And God (Elohim) saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.”

How are we to reconcile these passages of Scripture? The context of these passages reveal the sinful state man was living in, and it is man’s sinfulness that triggered God’s sorrow. The Hebrew word for “repented” is, # <5162>, nacham, and it expresses the idea of, “to be sorry, i.e. (in a favourable sense) to pity” - as to what was taking place.

God’s repentance does not indicate a change in Him, or that God did something contrary to His character. The Ninevites changed, not God, and became obedient, so God preserved them. Their change did not obligate God to do what He said He would. God offers salvation to all that repent and turn to Him. If this were not the case, where would we be? Only something created is subject to change. God was not created; He is the Creator (Isa 43:10-11; Psa 102:25-26).

Mal 4:6

"And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse."

This verse reads thus: "And the hearts of the fathers will be turned with the children..." - speaking of a reformation applying to the old and the young.

3:9      Doubtless the people did not think that they were  robbing God by not paying tithes or by offering inferior animal sacrifices. However that is just what they were doing. Their selfish behaviour contrasted God’s generous behaviour towards them. Likewise, by the way in which we think about what we give to God, we can rob Him.

3:2      Malachi is speaking of the coming of John Baptist and Jesus. No one will be able to “stand” against Jesus. This same idea is found in Rev 6:17 when speaking of the effect that God’s intervention in world affairs will have on mankind.

Mal 3:16 Feared, Psa 19:9 We are to show reverence to his name.

"spake often one to another"- This means more than simply using his name its about speaking of his word CONTINUALLY as spake often means, Heb 10:25 so we may exhort each other. Are we lost on a sunday morning to speak about the word to? Go and speak to the speaker! We should have studied the word so much during the week we should be seeking to share our discoveries with our brethren and sisters.

We should be seeking wisdom from his word - Rom 7:2 at all times Deut 6:7 its the only way to find Yahweh Deut 4:29.

Yahweh will "hearken" Psa 17:6, Psa 18:6, Psa 34:15, Psa 130:2.

"thought upon his name"... Deeply consider or to esteem some versions have weaved or plaited, his name and its menaing is to be weaved into our minds. When we deeply consider his word and his name we become like him as a family name as a son. Hos 11:1 By studying his word our minds become one with each other and Yahweh Isa 26:2. (stayed).

 When we become of one mind doctrinal problems vanish.

Is it important to use Yahweh name? It is first important that we are to live his name and manifest it. But should we read it in the ecclesia and in our prayers? I remember a brother telling me that if a brother feels he cannot read it correctly then he is obliged not to, but if an Ecclesia refuses to use it then that ecclesia isnt living it!

The words of Malachi 3:16 are talking about a remant in the last days are we a remant that uses his name and studies his word continually?

4:2   The ‘fear’ of God’s name produces an attitude to the word of God – Isa 66:2 describes it as trembling out of reverence. If the priesthood in Malachi’s day had this attitude to Scripture then they would have ‘taught knowledge’  rather than practiced adultery. 

3:7    The call to the priests to “turn unto me” is echoing the words of the contemporary prophet – Zech 1:3. They (and we for that matter) are left in no doubt of what God requires – He tells us the same thing often enough!

4:2     The one spoken of here is Jesus. The “healing in his wings” where the word <3671>  “wings” is elsewhere –Ruth 3:9 – “skirt” is the reason why – Matt 9:20 – the woman realised that she had to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment. She had faith that Jesus was the one spoken of here in the prophets.

3:10   In encouraging the people to bring the tithes so that God would bless them draws on God’s promise in Deut 28:8

3:7     Continuing the theme of chapter Mal 1 and 2 we see the prophet rebuking the people again for not appreciating what they were doing wrong. See also verse 8.

3:3 Israel offered sacrifices as the Law of Moses required. But they were not in righteousness. They were offered by people whose hearts were astray from God. This warns us that going through the ritual of serving God is not sufficient. Our motives must be right also.

3:17-18 Despite the problems and apathy of the day Malachi was inspired to look to a better time. The time that Messiah would be in the earth and the faithful would be given immortal life. They would be involved in the “new covenant” – Jer 31:31-34 – where they would be able to rightly decided between right and wrong.

4:1-2 there is a contrast here. The sun burns grass so it withers This is like the seed that grows on stony ground. By contrast the “sun” will arise and heal some – those that “fear My name”. This “fear” is respect for Him and his word. They are like those spoken of in Mal 3:16.

Mal 4:1,2

“For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble… But unto you that fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings…”