Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons Malachi 3:16-17 Then they that feared the LORD spoke often one to another: and the LORD listened, and heard it… I. THE CHARACTERS INDICATED. 1. They feared the Lord. There is a "slavish" fear, distinguished from "filial" fear. In the language of the Old Testament, the "fear of the Lord" means what may be called the entire religious principle, or the whole of inward religion. 2. They thought upon the name of the Lord. Names are signs used to distinguish one person from another. Usually they are arbitrary signs. But "the name of the Lord" expresses the essential qualities of His nature. Some of the names of God are Rock, Strength, Shepherd, Father, King. 3. They spake often one to another. On what particular subject we must gather from the circumstances of the case. They must have spoken of God's gracious dealings with them; of the oppositions they had to encounter; the deliverances they had experienced. They spake often, in ways of instruction, admonition, and encouragement. II. THE ADVANTAGES ENJOYED BY THOSE CHARACTERS. 1. Divine approbation. "The Lord hearkened and heard." He deigned to listen. 2. Divine security. " A book of remembrance was written." There was an imperishable impression of their case on the mind of God Himself. 3. Divine promise. "They shall be Mine," etc. (1) They are regarded as jewels. (2) When God shall "make up His jewels," shall gather them out from among the rubbish and refuse, He who now regards them as His children will spare them, will preserve them tenderly and effectually. (Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. |
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