3. The argument of the Prophecy.
Therefore, thus Malachi, being about to rouse the people to the acknowledgement of the Covenant of God and to faith in Christ and repentance, censures the ingratitude and impiety of the people, but especially the avarice and negligence of the Priests; reproves their want of honoring God; teaches that true piety is not situated in Sacrifices and ceremonies, but in reverence for the Divine name and fraternal offices toward one’s neighbor; and, finally, commends the observance of the Mosaic Law, and attendance upon the announcement of the coming of Christ through His forerunner Elijah.