Ob and In:
1. Repeated:
A. The LORD of Heaven's Armies x4 from v.7-12
(NET in 1:4) The epithet LORD who rules over all occurs frequently as a divine title throughout Malachi (24 times total). This name (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, yéhvah tséva’ot), traditionally translated “LORD of hosts” (so KJV, NAB, NASB; cf. NIV NLT “Lord Almighty”; NCV, CEV “Lord All-Powerful”), emphasizes the majestic sovereignty of the Lord, an especially important concept in the postexilic world of great human empires and rulers
(BDB) in name of י׳ as God of war, prob. first in time of warlike David (some connect with sacred ark, but ark older), explained יהוה צבאות אֱלֹהֵי מערכות ישׂראל 1 S 17:45 י׳ Sebaoth God of the battle array of Israel (the thought of angels and stars as army of God is later)
B. In v.7 the LORD of Heaven's Armies asked Israel to return to Him and they still argued with Him about how should they return? The word, "rob" x3 in v.8 x1 in v.9
In tithes and contributions=(NET) The tithes and contributions mentioned here are probably those used to sustain the Levites (see Num 18:8, 11, 19, 21–24).
(BKC) If the Levites and priests would not receive the tithes and offerings, they would have to turn to other means of supporting themselves. As a result, the temple ministry would suffer
Summary: In front of the LORD of Heaven's Armies, the One who majestically rules over the earth Israel, His people rob God in not giving or lacking in the tithes and contributions which supposed to sustain the Levites. In other words, Israel did not care for the matter of worshipping God any more, but they cared about their face and therefore they gave partial title.
2. The contrast of judgment and blessings.
v.9a You are bound for judgment
v.10b pour out blessing for you until there is no room for it all.
Turning against God and robbing Him will be judged and if turning back to God and bringing the entire tithe will be blessed abundantly.
(BKC) Here the quantity was the issue (cf. “the whole tithe,” 3:10).
11 Then I will stop the plague from ruining your crops, and the vine will not lose its fruit before harvest,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. 12 “All nations will call you blessed, for you indeed will live in a delightful land,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.
(BKC) One must be careful in applying these promises to believers today. The Mosaic Covenant, with its promises of material blessings to Israel for her obedience, is no longer in force (Eph. 2:14–15; Rom. 10:4; Heb. 8:13). However, the New Testament speaks about generosity and giving. While not requiring a tithe of believers today, the New Testament does speak of God’s blessing on those who give generously to the needs of the church and especially to those who labor in the Word (Acts 4:31–35; 2 Cor. 9:6–12; Gal. 6:6; Phil. 4:14–19).
Reflection: Do I care about the matter of worship? Do I care about people who take care of worshipping God?
Thank God for so faithful in dealing with Israel: He judges them when they sinned and He promises to reverse His curses and bless them when they titled. In what way, I have also experienced that? God did not judge me, but bless me when I repent.
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