Malachi 3:16

Then. — As a consequence of the unbelieving conversation of the wicked. What “they that feared the Lord” said is not recorded; but it is implied, by His approval of them, that they strengthened one another in their faith and reliance on the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord, in spite of the present appearance of things. As the godless in Israel conversed together, so did the godly; but the converse of the one was the very reverse of the converse of the other. In Ezra 9:4 we read of such a consultation among those “that trembled at the word of the God of Israel.” (Comp. the expression in Malachi 2:5.)

Book of remembrance. — In which men’s actions are said figuratively to be recorded (Psalms 56:8; Daniel 7:10, &c.). Compare the custom of the Persian kings (Esther 6:1).

For them — i.e., for their future reward.

Thought upon — i.e., valued, esteemed.

(16) Then shall ye... between. — Better, Then shall ye again perceive the difference between. For the construction, comp. Zechariah 4:1. As in former cases God had made this difference manifest, so He would again. Compare, for instance, the difference between the case of the Egyptians and of the Israelites in the matter of the miraculous darkness (Exodus 10:23).