Malachi 3:16

Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

Then they that feared {H3373} the LORD {H3068} spake often {H1696} one {H376} to another {H7453}: and the LORD {H3068} hearkened {H7181}, and heard {H8085} it, and a book {H5612} of remembrance {H2146} was written {H3789} before {H6440} him for them that feared {H3373} the LORD {H3068}, and that thought {H2803} upon his name {H8034}.

Then those who feared ADONAI spoke together; and ADONAI listened and heard. A record book was written in his presence for those who feared ADONAI and had respect for his name.

At that time those who feared the LORD spoke with one another, and the LORD listened and heard them. So a scroll of remembrance was written before Him regarding those who feared the LORD and honored His name.

Then they that feared Jehovah spake one with another; and Jehovah hearkened, and heard, and a book of remembrance was written before him, for them that feared Jehovah, and that thought upon his name.

Malachi 3:16 presents a beautiful and often-overlooked scene of faithfulness amidst widespread spiritual decline in post-exilic Israel. This verse offers profound comfort and instruction regarding God's attentiveness to His devoted people.

Context

The Book of Malachi is the final book of the Old Testament, written during a period when the Israelites had returned from Babylonian exile but had grown spiritually apathetic. The people, including the priests, were offering defiled sacrifices, questioning God's justice, and neglecting their tithes (see Malachi 1:6-8). Malachi’s prophecies highlight their disobedience and God's impending judgment and purification. In stark contrast to the cynical and defiant words mentioned earlier (e.g., Malachi 3:13, where the people speak "stout words" against the LORD), verse 16 shines a light on a faithful remnant.

Key Themes

  • Faithful Fellowship: The verse emphasizes the importance of community among believers. "They that feared the LORD spake often one to another" highlights the necessity of mutual encouragement, shared understanding, and spiritual conversation, especially when surrounded by unfaithfulness. This collective dialogue serves to strengthen faith and commitment.
  • Divine Attention and Remembrance: God's active engagement is central: "the LORD hearkened, and heard [it]". This signifies that no act of genuine devotion, no conversation of faith, goes unnoticed by God. The subsequent mention of a "book of remembrance" underscores God's perfect memory and His intention to record and acknowledge the loyalty of His people. This concept reappears in the New Testament with the opening of books at the final judgment, signifying divine record-keeping.
  • Reverence for God's Name: To "thought upon his name" implies more than just casual reflection. It speaks of deep reverence, meditation on His character, attributes, and covenant promises. It signifies a heart devoted to honoring God in all aspects of life.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "feared the LORD" (Hebrew: yare) denotes not a cowering fear, but a profound awe, respect, and reverence for God's holiness and power. It implies a lifestyle of obedience and devotion stemming from this deep respect.
  • "Spake often one to another" (Hebrew: dibber) suggests a regular, earnest, and thoughtful discourse, not just casual chatter. It points to intentional spiritual conversation and mutual edification.
  • The "book of remembrance" (Hebrew: sepher zikkaron) evokes the custom of ancient kings keeping chronicles of significant events or loyal servants. Here, God Himself keeps such a record, ensuring that the faithfulness of His people will not be forgotten but will be honored and rewarded.

Practical Application

Malachi 3:16 serves as a powerful encouragement for believers today:

  • Value Spiritual Community: It reminds us of the vital role of Christian fellowship in nurturing faith. Actively engaging with other believers, sharing spiritual insights, and offering mutual support are crucial for perseverance in a challenging world.
  • God Sees and Remembers: Even in times when our faith feels unnoticed or unrewarded by the world, this verse assures us that God is listening and recording every act of devotion, every heartfelt conversation, and every thought directed towards Him. Our faithfulness is precious in His sight.
  • Cultivate Reverence: It calls us to a deeper "thinking upon His name" – a continuous meditation on God's character, His Word, and His will. This fosters a life of genuine worship and obedience.
  • Assurance of Justice: The "book of remembrance" provides comfort that God's ultimate justice will prevail. Those who faithfully serve Him will be vindicated and rewarded, while those who defy Him will face judgment.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 20:12

    And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

  • Psalms 56:8

    ¶ Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: [are they] not in thy book?

  • Malachi 4:2

    But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

  • Revelation 15:4

    Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for [thou] only [art] holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:11

    ¶ Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

  • Hebrews 10:24

    And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

  • Malachi 3:5

    And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in [his] wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger [from his right], and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.

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