Verse of the Day
Malachi 2:14 (NASB) Yet you say, ‘For what reason?’ Because the Lord has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant.
Bible Commentary
Malachi 2:14 is a Bible verse in the Old Testament where the Lord is rebuking those who have mistreated their wives.
In Bible days, women were considered more like property than people. Unfortunately, in some parts of the world, this is still the case. But make no mistake. God gave us clear instructions as to how we should treat others (Luke 10:27), but for this study we will look specifically at how He holds men accountable for how they treat their wives.
Malachi 2:14 is God’s direct response to a question from those He was chastening. They wanted to know why He was no longer regarding their offering. Nothing gets our attention as fast as when our finances dry up.
God’s exact words in Malachi 2:14 were, “Because the Lord has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant.”
God’s word gives husbands a clear command as to how they are to regard their wives.
Ephesians 5:25-30 “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. 28 So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; 29 for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, 30 because we are members of His body.”
It’s a pretty tall order for men to love their wives the way Christ loved the church. Christ did not regard his own life above ours. He gave Himself up for us.
Unlocking the Truth – See Christ in Her
According to God’s instructions, that is how a husband is to love his wife, to esteem her above himself. But what if the wife is not subject to the husband? She most certainly has faults, just as we all do. However, look at how Christ treats His followers. Even though we disobey Him, He still loves us. He still gave up His life for us.
Just as a man expects his wife to follow him, so Christ expects the husband to follow Him. As you are faithful in lifting up your wife in prayer, He will make known to you how to communicate love to your wife, or better yet, love her through you.
Christ also left the example of developing and fostering his disciples, and so he expects men to do the same for their wives, just as verse 26-27 above talks about. “Foster” is defined like this: to bring up, help develop, promote.
It is difficult to develop your wife unless you are in the lead. Men, be of good courage and do not shrink back in fear (Hebrews 10:38). Your wife will gain respect and love for you when you show leadership through strength and humility, just as Christ displayed His leadership by being a servant in righteousness and love. (John 13:5)
Whatever needs to be culled out of us (wives and husbands alike) can be handled by the washing of water by the Word (Ephesians 5:26 above). Our faithful study of God’s Word cleanses us.
How can a man develop or promote his wife? What are her characteristics and traits, her gifts and strengths? Develop her by encouraging her to use her strengths for the good of others. Promote her by honoring her before others.
If Jesus Christ were going to introduce us to someone, what would He say? Ephesians 5:27 says, “that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.”
He would be full of grace in presenting us as having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing. He would present us as holy and blameless, because in Christ, we ARE.
Malachi 2:14 uses the word, “treacherously,” which in Hebrew means: to cover; to act covertly, to pillage, deal deceitfully, offend, transgress, unfaithful. Webster’s defines it like this: disloyal, untrustworthy or insecure.
Men, a woman’s sense of security comes from your faithfulness or loyalty to her. Are you trustworthy to hold her in higher esteem than your work, your other relationships, and your side of the family? Nothing will offend a woman more than if you place someone or something above her.
See Christ in Your Spouse
When you are faithful to keep her first in your life (right after God), it will be easy for her to align with you, to respect you and love you the way you want to be loved.
None of us is perfect, but we are to train our eyes to see Christ in our spouse. When we do that, it is easy to be thankful for those qualities in them we fell in love with. Thankfulness is like a key that unlocks the beauty of love that may have been hidden away. It’s still there, but it must be cultivated and drawn out.
What are you thankful for in your spouse?
Study the Bible verse of Malachi 2:14, and learn to nourish and cherish your spouse, just as Christ also does the church.
Daily Prayer
Today’s Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for showing us that You alone are our provider–not our spouse, our job, our boss, the work of our hands or our intellect. Because You alone are our Provider, it takes the pressure off of us. We can be free, and we can set our spouse free. What we depended on them for is now shifted to You. Oh, your ways are so much better than ours! Thank You, Jesus, for being glorified in our eyes. We know that You have done it. Hallelujah! Amen.
