The prophet gives a solemn assurance to those who ask, “Where is the God of judgment?” (ch. 2:17) that there is a future day in which God will execute judgment and justice upon all the wicked. This is the “day of the Lord” of Joel 1:15; 2:1; Amos 5:18, 20; Zeph. 2:1-3; etc. For comment see on Isa. 13:6; 2 Peter 3:10-12.

 A striking figure indicating the utter annihilation of sin and sinners (see on Nahum 1:9). Satan, represented as the “root,” or originator, of evil, and his followers, represented as the branches, are all completely destroyed (see Ps. 37:38).

 The Scriptures know nothing of the popular fallacy of an eternally burning hell. The wicked do not keep on burning endlessly; the fires of the last day will literally “burn them up.” See on Jer. 17:27; Matt. 3:12; 25:41; 2 Peter 3:7-13; Jude 7.

 No stronger language could be used to indicate the complete destruction of the ungodly. They will not linger on in everlasting suffering as is often erroneously believed, but will be as readily consumed as is “stubble” (see Ps. 37:10, 20; Isa. 5:24).

The sin of pride is especially offensive to God, and is the only one singled out for mention here by Malachi.

 God’s final judgment upon the wicked is total destruction by fire (see Rev. 20:9; see on Eze. 28:16-19).