CONTENTS
The Lord is expostulating with Israel in this Chapter, on their
ingratitude; and pointing out in his providences and grace, his
distinguishing favor to Jacob, and his judgment on Esau.
Malachi 1:1
The title of this prophecy as a burden, is not meant to express a
matter grievous in its we... [ Continue Reading ]
Every word in this address of the Lord is weighty, and deserves the
closest attention. Reader, pray observe how the Lord opens his
discourse, with referring to his love. Yes! this is the source, the
fountain, and cause of all Israel's mercies; and the subject begins in
eternity, in the gift of Chris... [ Continue Reading ]
The Apostle to the Hebrews explains this account of Esau, who is said
to be a fornicator, and a profane person Hebrews 12:16 left to a
dissolute mind, being rejected, or as this scripture speaks, hated of
God. And so all his race. For, when it is said, as in this scripture,
that his mountains and he... [ Continue Reading ]
These are very strong expressions of expostulation. God appeals to the
common principles and laws of nature. Children and servants do
reverence to them that have the rule over them. How much more is due
to the Lord, as the common Father of his people. Reader! how
heightened is this principle to beli... [ Continue Reading ]
This verse comes in as a very affectionate advice after the strong
expostulation going before, and which proves what all the other parts
of God's holy word declare, that the Lord is very pitiful and
gracious, slow to anger, and of great mercy. Isaiah 30:18.... [ Continue Reading ]
Here again, the Lord showeth the unworthiness and ungraciousness of
man, and his unprofitableness to God. All which, if I mistake not, is
introduced with a view to heighten the abundant grace and goodness of
God. It is as if the Lord had said, though none of you will so much as
open the doors of my... [ Continue Reading ]
This is a most blessed verse, which comes in amidst the charges the
Lord had brought against Israel, like some sweet stream, in a dry and
barren land, and it is full of grace from beginning to end. I beg the
Reader to remark with me, how blessedly it speaks of that glorious
kingdom of grace, in the... [ Continue Reading ]
It should seem, from the solemn expressions with which the Chapter
concludes, and connected with what was said in a preceding part, at
the sixth verse, concerning the priests that despised the Lord's name;
that the threatenings were particularly and personally directed to
them. And how truly awful t... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS
Almighty Lord! grant both to Writer and Reader grace, in receiving the
message of this prophecy, from thy servant the Prophet, that we may
indeed accept the whole of it as the burden of the Lord, bringing to
us the great things of thy blessed word. We pray to mark the
distinguishing gra... [ Continue Reading ]