This week we are reading Malachi’s fourth disputation. Previous disputations charged the priesthood with negligent worship and condemned Israelite men for their pagan marriages. Those prophetic messages were harsh and pointed. Still, the restored community remains obnoxiously unaware of their shortcomings.
Malachi uses his prophetic pulpit to explain why God is indeed withholding blessing. However, in a balanced message of hardship before hope, Malachi foresees the coming of a messenger who will prepare the way for the Messiah.
The fourth disputation follows the basic structure of the others. Malachi makes an assertion. The people follow up with a counter-question. God weighs in with a warning about the implications of their disobedience.
This disputation addresses the general community. They are all guilty of wearying the Lord with their words. God’s patience with his wayward people has worn thin. Malachi demonstrates their cluelessness by putting words in their mouths that best reflect their poor mindset. The people ask, “How have we wearied him?” Tongue-in-cheek, Malachi adds, “By saying, ‘All who do evil are good in the sight of the Lord, and he delights in them.’ Or by asking, ‘Where is the God of justice?’” (2:17).
