Malachi 3:1-4

1) this section answers the question at 2:17.

2)Is messenger human or an angel, especially since the name of the book is that of my messenger? Is the messenger a purifier of the temple, a la Dead Sea Scrolls and then God comes in v. 5? Dating of this passage is uncertain, but most place it in the Persian period.

3)Is the day of coming justice or judgement or both? How one translates this indicates how one sees the Day of the Lord.

4) Is the messenger like that of Isaiah 40:3 paving the way for the great king?

5)Some hear an echo to Ex. 23:20

6) the temple is once again the portal for the presence of God

7) Reflect on your acceptance or rejection of the image of refining as suffering.How do you see purification here and elsewhere? does the metaphor work well today? If so, why? If not, why not?

8) I'm uncertain if the offerings are in righteousness (right relations) or right offerings.

9) Notice that intent may well be indicative if an offering is pleasing. Note then it is not legalistic.

10) How much do you want to bring this into line with Advent themes? Certainly the gospels line up the messenger with john the Baptist.