Malachi 3:14

kept his ordinance lit. observed his observance. Kept his charge, R.V.

It is the same tendency to regard mere outward observance as true religion, which earlier prophets had denounced (1 Samuel 15:22; Isaiah 58:1-4), and which culminated in the Pharisaism of New Testament times (John 18:28).

walked mournfully With outward signs of mourning: "in mourning apparel", R.V. as a sign of humiliation and contrition. Comp. Joel 2:13; Isaiah 58:5; Matthew 6:16-18.

There may possibly be a reference to the frequent national Fasts which were observed after the return from Babylon. See Zechariah 7:3; Zechariah 7:5; Zechariah 8:19.