Malachi 2 & 3

In chapter 2, God continues speaking to the priests with a Rebuke.  Their blessings will be cursed and they will be despised and humuliated.  God reminded them of the covenants made with the tribe of Levi, how priests should teach with truth, walk in peace and uprightness, and turn many away from sin.  The people of Judah and Israel have also broken their covenant by intermarrying and worshipping foreign gods; and through divorce.

They have also wearied God by doubting His Justice, saying that God appears to be pleased with those who do evil.   They did not have the right view of God; and were not listening to His message of Rebuke.

6-Oct:  In chapter 3, God responded to the people's questioning of His Justice by first telling them that the Messiah will come first to re-establish the covenant (vs 1 is quoted in Matthew and Mark referencing John the Baptist) and then will return in His Second Coming as a Judge, refining and purifying like Fire and Soap.  God reminds them that He was, is, and always will be Good and Just.  That's why He has not destroyed them despite their sins, and offers them blessings if they would Return to Him in obedience.  God also offers encouraging promises to the faithful Remnant - the He will listen, and that they will be in a scroll of remembrance, be His treasured posession, and will be spared Judgment.  Even though this chapter was a message of Judgment to the People, yet we see the heart of God in the chapter, desiring that they return to Him to re-establish their covenant relationship; and, if they return to Him, God promises to bless them abundantly.