The Inner Meaning of the Prophets and Psalms # 249
249. Internal Meaning of Malachi, Chapter 3
1-3 The Lord will come into the world, and will teach the Word in its purity. (11)
4 The church, doctrine, and worship will then be as they had been among the ancients. (11)
5-6 The Lord will then execute judgment upon all who (15, 17)
have adulterated and destroyed the truths of the church. (2, 10)
7 They have done this from the beginning, and do not desist from it, (2, 3)
8-9 nor do they desist from adulteration, therefore this will bring about their ruin. (3, 2)
10-12 If they had lived according to the statutes, they would have been in the good of the church. (2)
13-15 They have confirmed themselves in this, that good is of no profit and that evil does no harm, because the good and the wicked are alike prosperous. (2)
16 It is otherwise with those who trust in the Lord;, (11, 1)