This fourth disputation (Malachi 2:17 – 3:5) began with God’s people doubting the justice of God. To them, it seemed that the wicked God delighted in the wicked, for they received many good things in life. They asked the question, Where is the God of justice?
God has answered in the previous verses. He is coming. Up to this point, the Lord has only spoken about one result of his appearing. He will purify the hearts of many, so that they serve the Lord rightly. But now, in this verse God speaks of the other effect of his coming. He will render justice to the wicked.
5 “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the LORD of hosts.