“And He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the Lord offerings in righteousness.” Malachi 3:3
Malachi is God’s last recorded message to the nation of Israel until the New Testament period 400 years later. He corrected the backsliden priests of Israel who despised His name and, among other things, offered blemished animals upon the altar. They wearied Him with their words in that they said, “Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and He delights in them” (2:17) They also said, “So now we call the arrogant blessed; not only are the doers of wickedness built up, but they also test God and escape.” (3:15). He told them “…I am not pleased with you…” (1:10). What a fearful sentence to hear from holy God.
In chapter 3, He transitions into the New Testament era. He states that He is sending “My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me”. This was John The Baptist, preaching “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2) He then says, “And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple;”. This is the Messiah they were looking for but did not recognize; the Lord Jesus. And when the Lord comes, “He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver,…”. Since they were defiled by evil practices, He would have to bring them to repentance and change their hearts “so that they may present to the Lord offerings in righteousness.
Today, may we be just the opposite of these wicked priest. In Hebrews 13: 15 we are instructed to offer up a sacrifice of praise (thanksgiving) to our God and that He is pleased with such sacrifices. Let us verbalize our thanks today for all the blessings God has bestowed on us.
This background information is setting up the next post concerning who the “sons of Levi” are and how this Old Testament prophecy applies today.
Thank you for your patience and time. Hope to see you tomorrow.
Carl
Psalm 119: 38 