Even mostly sound exegetes of the Word of God seem to miss the mark here. Many believe that God curses Christians who do not tithe, and blesses those who do. Though it is blessed, and much to be desired, to give, the focus on the Scriptures is God’s love for His people, whether the Nation of Israel, or the Church. God does love a cheerful giver, and there are reasons to give. But,that is not what Malachi is referring to. He is referring to the priests, and the people by extension. The priests had stopped doing their priestly duty, and giving honor to God – so, as Malachi brought out in Chapters 1 and 2 – they despised God, and God had warned them that they would be despised the same way they were treating Him.
They had forsaken God, and he would bring them into judgment. But, Praise the Lord! A day is coming when He will also rain blessings upon the Nation – She will no longer be the tail, but the Head! |
