In Malachi 2:17, the people wearied God with their challenging words. When the cried, “Where is the God of justice,” the Lord replied with a prophecy of the coming Messiah (Malachi 3:1-5). The people of Judah were wondering why God had not punished their enemies. In the Lord’s reply, they learned that God is indeed coming, but no one, not even the presumptuous covenant people will be able to endure His coming unscathed. They are sinners just like their enemies. However, God will refine and cleanse His people while He will exact judgment upon the world.