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Book of Malachi - Chapter 3 - Verse 5

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.

Meaning

This verse from the book of Malachi serves as a reminder of God's justice and righteousness. It emphasizes that God is aware of the actions of all individuals and will come near to judge those who engage in sorcery, adultery, false swearing, oppressing the vulnerable, and denying justice to the marginalized. The verse highlights God's concern for the mistreatment of the most vulnerable members of society, including widows, orphans, and immigrants. By condemning these actions, God establishes that He is a swift witness against those who act unjustly and do not fear Him. The verse serves as a call to repentance and a warning to those who exploit and harm others. It reflects God's desire for a society built on justice, compassion, and reverence for Him.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the Lord is promising to come near to the people for judgment. He declares that He will swiftly witness against various sins, including sorcery, adultery, false oaths, and the mistreatment of vulnerable groups such as workers, widows, orphans, and strangers. The theological interpretation of this passage emphasizes God's righteousness and justice. It underscores His role as a sovereign judge who will hold individuals accountable for their actions. The mention of specific sins reflects the importance of ethical conduct and care for the marginalized in the eyes of the Lord. Word studies on terms like "sorcerers" and "oppress" can further illuminate the depth and nuances of the message conveyed. Through this verse, believers are reminded of the importance of living in accordance with God's moral standards and treating others with fairness and compassion.

American Standard Version

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 the false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the sojourner [from his right], and fear not me, saith Jehovah of hosts.
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