Them that Feared the Lord Malachi 3:16

Malachi the prophet recorded the words of “the LORD of hosts” as He declared fault after fault with the nation of Israel. In the midst of their worshiping the Lord with contempt, dealing with their wives treacherously, speaking evil words, robbing God with their tithes and offerings, and speaking brazenly against the Lord, Malachi chapter three and verse sixteen shows us there were some among the people of Israel who actually “feared the Lord” where we read:

Then they that feared the LORD spoke often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

The verse begins, “Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another:” The phrase, “then they that feared” is the Hebrew word “yare'” and means “fearing, reverent or afraid”. This group of people within the nation of Israel gave respect and awe to “the LORD”, and “spoke often” which means “to declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, or sing” “one to another” about Him.

The verse continues, “and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him...,” The result of this group speaking about the LORD was “the LORD hearkened” which means He “heard, was attentive to, heeded, inclined (of ears), attended (of ears), paid attention to, and listened to” “and heard it” which also means “hear or listen to” but implies activity and understanding concerning what is said. These things heard and listened to were “written” in a “book of remembrance before Him” which was a “memorial or reminder” of the things that were said.

Finally the verse says, “...for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.” The purpose for the “book of remembrance” was “for them that feared the LORD” which refers to those who held the Lord in high esteem and honor. These were in awe and respect of the Lord, and therefore the “book of remembrance” was written on their behalf. Another trait found within these people was they “thought” or “plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, or count” “upon his name” which refers to the Lord's “reputation, fame and glory”. Rather than impute the Lord with the charges of those who were in opposition to Him, this group of people thought about the character and reputation of the Lord. For this the “book of remembrance” was written.

As we think through the line of thought provided by the prophet Malachi, we have discovered two groups of people. The first group are those who willfully disobey the Lord and go against His ways. This group decided that the Lord is aloof, uncaring and not really involved in their lives. The second group are “God-fearing, respecting, admiring and willfully obedient”, and this is the group of which the Lord takes special note. The question before us is, “Within which group do we find ourselves?” Are with with them who fear the Lord and give reverence to His name, or are with with those who believe the Lord is uncaring and aloof? May the Lord help us to know the more desirable group and find ourselves steadfast within it.

Next time we shall see as the Lord calls the people his jewels, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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