Resistance to the Lord through Self-deceit

2:17 You have wearied the Lord with your words. But you say, “How have we wearied him?” Because you say, “Everyone who does evil is good in the Lord’s opinion,26 and he delights in them,” or “Where is the God of justice?” 3:1 “I am about to send my messenger,1 who will clear the way before me. Indeed, the Lord2 you are seeking will suddenly come to his temple, and the messenger3 of the covenant, whom you long for, is certainly coming,” says the Lord who rules over all.

3:2 Who can endure the day of his coming? Who can keep standing when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire,4 like a launderer’s soap. 3:3 He will act like a refiner and purifier of silver and will cleanse the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will offer the Lord a proper offering. 3:4 The offerings5 of Judah and Jerusalem6 will be pleasing to the Lord as in former times and years past.

3:5 “I7 will come to you in judgment. I will be quick to testify against those who practice divination, those who commit adultery, those who break promises,8 and those who exploit workers, widows, and orphans,9 who refuse to help10 the immigrant11 and in this way show they do not fear me,” says the Lord who rules over all.