Definition: And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in [his] wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger [from his right], and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Malachi 3:5. It’s a really important message about God’s judgment and how He will deal with those who are unrighteous. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is coming to judge people who are being unfair, neglecting the vulnerable, and not following God’s rules. He’s going to be very strict about this. Let's break it down word by word: “And I will come near to you…” – This means God is deliberately approaching and looking at people. He’s not just passing by; he’s deliberately focused on them. “…to judgment…” - This isn’t a friendly visit. It's a serious, final evaluation. “I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in [his] wages, the widow, and the fatherless…” – This is where it gets more specific. God is going to examine people for: Sorcerers: People who offer false promises or rituals to get what they want. Adulterers: People who cheat or betray their partners. False Swearers: People who lie about things, especially when it comes to religious matters. Oppressors of the vulnerable: People who are neglecting those who are poor, helpless, or in need (like the widow and fatherless). “and that turn aside the stranger [from his right]…” – This refers to foreigners – people from other countries – and God is watching them closely. He’s concerned about their behavior and whether they're behaving fairly. “…and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.” - This is a powerful final statement. God says, "Don’t be afraid of me!" He’s coming to judge, but he’s also offering forgiveness and mercy. The Overall Message: Malachi 3:5 is essentially saying that God is watching over his people and will hold them accountable for their actions. He’s not angry; He's using this judgment to protect the righteous and to encourage those who are faithful. It’s a warning, but also a message of hope – because God offers forgiveness and mercy even to those who have sinned. Think of it like this: Imagine a judge reviewing everyone's actions to make sure they're doing what is right and fair. God is doing that with us. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this message applies to our lives today?