1. Malachi 3:5 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

How is the Lord different from earthly judges?

Malachi 3:5 (ESV)

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.

In earthly courts of law, a judge will seldom, if ever, see the actions of those who stand before him for judgment. Earthly judges are very limited in this respect. They see little of what happens within the place where they are appointed judge. But God is not limited in any way. The Lord sees all. No one and nothing is hidden from his sight (Psalm 33:13; Psalm 90:8; Job 34:21; Proverbs 15:3; Ecclesiastes 12:14; 1 Chronicles 28:9; 2 Chronicles 6:30). He will judge that which his own eyes have seen.