Malachi 1:11
“For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts.”
Context:To understand the significance of Malachi 1:11, it’s important to consider its context. The book of Malachi is the last book in the Old Testament and contains a series of messages delivered by the prophet Malachi to the people of Israel after their return from exile in Babylon. The Israelites had become spiritually apathetic and had neglected their responsibilities towards God, including the proper offering of sacrifices.
Rising of the sun to the going down of the same:The phrase “from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same” emphasizes the universal scope of God’s name. It signifies that God’s name will be exalted and praised throughout the entire earth, from east to west. This suggests a worldwide worship of God, extending beyond the boundaries of Israel.
God’s name great among the Gentiles:The prophecy states that God’s name will be great among the Gentiles, who were not part of the covenant people of Israel. This is significant because, in the Old Testament, the worship of God was primarily associated with the Israelites. However, this verse foretells a time when the Gentiles, who were once considered outsiders, will also recognize the greatness of God’s name and worship Him.
Incense offered unto my name, and a pure offering:In the Old Testament, incense was offered as a symbol of worship and reverence to God. Here, it signifies a pure and genuine offering of worship to God, suggesting heartfelt devotion and adoration. The mention of a pure offering implies that the worship offered by the Gentiles will be acceptable to God.
Greatness of God’s name among the heathen:The verse concludes by reiterating that God’s name will be great among the heathen, or the nations. This further emphasizes the widespread recognition and reverence that will be given to God by people from various nations and backgrounds.
Overall, Malachi 1:11 points towards a future time when the worship of God will extend beyond the boundaries of Israel and encompass people from all nations. It highlights the universal nature of God’s name and the sincere worship that will be offered to Him by the Gentiles. This prophecy finds its fulfilment in the New Testament with the spread of the Gospel and the inclusion of Gentiles in the body of believers through faith in Jesus Christ.
