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

Why does the Lord speak of himself as a "swift witness"?

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.

The Israelites were beginning to doubt the Lord’s coming to establish justice, for it seemed to take so long (2 Peter 3:4). But the Lord says that he is a swift witness. He is coming quickly (Revelation 2:16; Revelation 3:11; Revelation 11:14; Revelation 22:7, Revelation 22:12, Revelation 22:20). What God means is that he is not dragging his feet, as though reluctant. He is not postponing the event because he is not yet ready. He is not late in coming, as though he has been delayed for some reason or another. God’s coming is underway! He will come without delay! He will come at the appointed time, the perfect time. In the meantime, Peter teaches us that God does not regard time as we do. What seems forever for us is but a moment for God. A thousand years to us is like a day for God. Furthermore, we should consider the delay as a positive display of God’s patience, whereby God gives his elect time to repent (2 Peter 3:8–9).