What is meant by the phrases refiners fire and launderer s soap (Malachi 3:2)?
Both these phrases refer to the process of purifying. In refining metals, the raw metal is heated with fire until it melts. The impurities rise to the surface and are skimmed off, leaving the pure metal. Launderer s soap was used to whiten cloth. In each image we are reminded that God is in the process, through the work of his Spirit, to mold us into the image of Jesus. At times this process is painful, especially when accomplished through his discipline or suffering. Are you willing to go through the refiner s fire? Are you willing to participate with God in his process of refining you? Malachi would tell you that it is well worth it. Don Porter Why don t these numbers add up (Ezra 1:911)? Originally, they probably did. Several of the Hebrew words in the list are hard to translate: they could mean either a number or a description of a gold or silver item. This makes it difficult to correctly tally the numbers. The Quest Study Bible Why was ancestry so important (Ezra 2:59)? Such recor
