Matthew Poole and continuators on Malachi 3:14

14 Ye have said , It is vain to serve God : and what profit is it, that we have kept his ordinances , and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?

Ye that are the children of forefathers, who had this good land given to them, and ever made fruitful while they feared and obeyed their God, you that have been well rewarded for your obedience, or you Priests who have Tithes, Sacrifices, Offerings, and First Fruits given you for your Services.

Have thought first, and next have discoursed it, unthankful to your God, you have Atheist like maintained it in disputes,

That all is lost Labour, no profit to God, nor any to your selves; therefore better sit still, and do nothing, than to no purpose.

While what they have before their eyes, is the fruit of Gods goodness, and what they want is punishment of their not doing it better; whilest a very unsuitable observing the ordinances of God, hath so much profit for you, dare you say there is no profit? Sottish Atheists! who will not try what a more agreeable Service would do!

So the Hypocrites and Ungodly object against God, Isa. 58.3. Yet their's, as Ahab's, dissembled Mournings had their reward, and infinitely better than they deserved.

Marginal references: Heb. observation.; Heb. in black.