Read & explore together
Robbing God
Malachi 3:6–12 is a sharp message from Yahweh to the sons of Jacob. He says they have turned away from his ordinances, identifies robbery in tithes and offerings, and calls them to return.
Understanding the passage
The setting of this message
In these verses, Yahweh speaks in a pattern of statements and questions to the sons of Jacob. He says he does not change, explains that they have turned from his ordinances, names robbery in tithes and offerings, and calls for the whole tithe to be brought into the storehouse with promises of provision and honour.
Malachi 3:6–12Main takeaway
This passage calls the people to return to Yahweh in the specific way he names by bringing the whole tithe.
Explore the message
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Yahweh does not changeThe passage opens with Yahweh’s own declaration: “I, Yahweh, don’t change.” The result named here is that the sons of Jacob are not consumed.
Explanation
The passage opens with Yahweh’s own declaration: “I, Yahweh, don’t change.” The result named here is that the sons of Jacob are not consumed. The message begins with who Yahweh is and with his continued dealing with this people. His unchanging character stands at the start of everything that follows.
02Return to meYahweh says the people have turned away from his ordinances and have not kept them. He calls them, “Return to me, and I will return to you.”
Explanation
Yahweh says the people have turned away from his ordinances and have not kept them. He calls them, “Return to me, and I will return to you.” When they ask, “How shall we return?” the passage moves toward a specific answer, not a vague one. Their question is answered inside these verses.
03Robbing GodYahweh answers by saying they have robbed him. The passage states exactly how: “In tithes and offerings.”
Explanation
Yahweh answers by saying they have robbed him. The passage states exactly how: “In tithes and offerings.” This is not presented as a small matter. Yahweh says the whole nation robs him and is “cursed with the curse.” The accusation is direct, and it explains why their return must include changed action.
04The whole tithe and promised blessingYahweh commands them to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse so there may be food in his house.
Explanation
Yahweh commands them to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse so there may be food in his house. He tells them to test him in this. He promises overflowing blessing, protection for the fruits of the ground, and a land that nations will call blessed. The promised results are described in terms of provision, preserved crops, and public honour.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What reason is given for why the sons of Jacob are not consumed?
Notice the direct link in Malachi 3:6 between Yahweh’s unchanging nature and this outcome.
02How does Yahweh explain what returning to him should involve in this passage?
Read Malachi 3:7–10 and trace the answer from “How shall we return?” to the command about the whole tithe.
03What results does Yahweh promise when the whole tithe is brought?
List the outcomes named in Malachi 3:10–12, including blessing, protected crops, and a land called delightful.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Malachi 3:6–12
6“For I, Yahweh, don’t change; therefore you, sons of Jacob, are not consumed.
7From the days of your fathers you have turned away from my ordinances and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says Yahweh of Armies. “But you say, ‘How shall we return?’
8Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In tithes and offerings.
9You are cursed with the curse; for you rob me, even this whole nation.
10Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and test me now in this,” says Yahweh of Armies, “if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there will not be enough room for.
11I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast its fruit before its time in the field,” says Yahweh of Armies.
12“All nations shall call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land,” says Yahweh of Armies.