The Lord concluded by reminding His people of one of His character qualities that should have made them fear Him and have hope. He does not change, and that is why they would not be consumed totally. He was faithful to His covenant promises in the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants; He would never destroy them completely but would chasten them and finally bless them. By calling the Jews "sons of Jacob," the Lord was connecting their behavior with that of their notorious patriarch. Promises are only as good as the person who makes them, so the fact that Yahweh does not change strengthens the certainty of their fulfillment (cf. Deuteronomy 4:31; Ezekiel 36:22-32). The Apostle Paul gave the same reason for expecting Israel to have a future ( Romans 3:3-4; Romans 9:6; Romans 11:1-5; Romans 11:25-29). [source][source][source]
The statement that Yahweh does not change (cf. 1 Samuel 15:29; Hebrews 13:8) may seem to contradict other statements that the Lord changed His mind (e.g, Exodus 32:14). This statement that He does not change refers to the essential character of God. He is always holy, loving, just, faithful, gracious, merciful, etc. The other statements, that He changes, refer to His changing from one course of action to another. They involve His choices, not His character. If He did not change His choices, He would be unresponsive; if He changed His character, He would be unreliable. [1][source]
Context Summary
Malachi 3:1-12 - A Purging From Evil
The opening verses of this chapter stir the heart like the call of a trumpet. We remember how literally they were fulfilled in the presentation of our Lord in the Temple by His parents. Unnoticed by the crowds, jostled amid the press, borne in the arms of poverty, the King suddenly came to His Temple, even the Messenger of the Covenant. Only two faithful retainers, Simeon and Anna, were there to welcome Him. But there is another and more personal reference. Let us keep the doors of our hearts wide open to the coming of the King. There may be no blare of trumpet, no flash of jewel, no cry of herald, but into your heart's secret shrine He will come. Is not this just what we need? Make haste, great Lord of all, and in our poor hearts do thy blessed work, that we may be refined as gold and silver, and offer to thee an offering in righteousness. Then will it be a delight to bring all the tithes into the storehouse. [source]
Chapter Summary: Malachi 3
1Of the messenger, majesty, and grace of Christ 7Of the rebellion, 8sacrilege, 13and infidelity of the people 16The promise of blessing to those who fear God
What do the individual words in Malachi 3:6 mean?
ForI[am] YahwehnotI do changetherefore yousonsof Jacobnotare consumed
Parse: Verb, Qal, Perfect, second person masculine plural
Root: כָּלָה
Sense: to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent.
What are the major concepts related to Malachi 3:6?