Chapter
1 2 3 4
Verse
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Malachi 3:15
ESV And now we call the arrogant blessed. Evildoers not only prosper but they put God to the test and they escape.’”
NIV But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly evildoers prosper, and even when they put God to the test, they get away with it.''
NASB So now we call the arrogant blessed; not only are the doers of wickedness built up, but they also put God to the test and escape punishment.’?'
CSB So now we consider the arrogant to be fortunate. Not only do those who commit wickedness prosper, they even test God and escape."
NLT From now on we will call the arrogant blessed. For those who do evil get rich, and those who dare God to punish them suffer no harm.’'
KJV And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.

What does Malachi 3:15 mean?

Malachi 2:17 presented a dangerous, hypocritical complaint against God. Namely, that He was not sufficiently punishing the wicked. God's response, in the earlier verses of chapter 3, was to warn Israel that judgment was, in fact, coming. And it was coming to Israel first. Verses 13 and 14 detailed one of Malachi's final accusations against Israel, which is that of blasphemy: speaking "harsh" words against God. These, and the attack here in verse 15, are similar to the criticisms of Malachi 2:17. Part of the suggestion being made is that God is not holding up His end of their covenant agreement.

Of course, the fact that God keeps His promises is the only reason Israel has survived long enough to make this complaint in the first place (Malachi 3:6). Neither the people, nor the priests, are obeying the commands of God (Malachi 1:7–8; 2:11–14; 3:8).

Israel has already been reminded that God has punished evil in the past (Malachi 1:2–5). He will purify His people at some point in the future (Malachi 3:2–4). And, according to the warning coming at the beginning of chapter 4, this judgment will be all-encompassing (Malachi 4:1).
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