1. Look, I am sending my messenger who will clear the path before me;suddenly the Lord whom you are seeking will come to his temple.The messenger of the covenant in whom you take delight is coming,says the Lord of heavenly forces.
2. Who can endure the day of his coming?Who can withstand his appearance?He is like the refiner’s fire or the cleaner’s soap.
3. He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver.He will purify the Levitesand refine them like gold and silver.They will belong to the Lord,presenting a righteous offering.
4. The offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lordas in ancient days and in former years.
5. I will draw near to you for judgment.I will be quick to testify against the sorcerers,the adulterers, those swearing falsely,against those who cheat the day laborers out of their wagesas well as oppress the widow and the orphan,and against those who brush aside the foreigner and do not revere me,says the Lord of heavenly forces.
6. I am the Lord, and I do not change;and you, children of Jacob, have not perished.
7. Ever since the time of your ancestors,you have deviated from my lawsand have not kept them.Return to me and I will return to you,says the Lord of heavenly forces.But you say,"How should we return?"