There is general agreement about where the sixth disputation begins, namely, in Malachi 3:13. But there is no certainty regarding where it ends. Does the sixth disputation end at Malachi 3:18? Or does it continue to Malachi 4:3? Or does it continue to the closing of the book in Malachi 4:6? Perhaps the question is somewhat arbitrary and artificial, since the original document did not contain chapters and verses, much less clearly marked disputations. We will include the remainder of the book under the heading of the sixth disputation. The reason for this is the similarity between this sixth disputation and the fourth. In the fourth, there is the reference to the messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord’s coming, and the positive effects of his coming, namely, the purifying of the sons of Levi (Malachi 3:2–4). In Malachi 4:4–6, there is the reference to the coming prophet and the positive effects of his coming, namely, turning the heart among God’s people. It seems reasonable, then, to include this reference to the coming prophet, and the effects of his coming, as part of the sixth disputation.
In this sixth disputation the Lord again lays a general charge against his people (Malachi 3:13a), followed by the people’s now-familiar response of incredulity whereby they ask God for an explanation (Malachi 3:13b). The Lord then explains the charge more explicitly (Malachi 3:14–15), namely, that there is no benefit in serving the Lord since the Lord treats both the righteous and the wicked in the same manner. In Malachi 3:16, the focus turns to those who feared the Lord, and God’s favourable attitude towards them. They will be spared much of the suffering that God will inflict upon his people (Malachi 3:17). God declares that it will become evident that he does treat the righteous differently than the wicked (Malachi 3:18).
When will this difference be seen? On the day the Lord comes in judgment. On that day, all the wicked will be completely consumed by the wrath of God (Malachi 4:1). But those who fear the name of the Lord will experience the dawning of a new day, a day of healing
for the nation (Malachi 4:2). Those who fear God will participate in the judgment of the wicked (Malachi 4:3).
Finally, this passage issues a reminder to God’s people to obey the ancient laws that God has given to his people at Mount Sinai (Malachi 4:4), with the promise of the coming of the prophet Elijah (Malachi 4:5) who will usher in a period of repentance, and a severe warning if that repentance is not forthcoming (Malachi 4:6).
13 “Your words have been hard against me, says the LORD. But you say, ‘How have we spoken against you?’