The phrase “rebuke the devourer” in Malachi 3:11 refers to God’s promise to protect His people’s crops and livelihood from pests, diseases, and other forces that could ruin or “devour” them. This promise was originally given to ancient Israel, but contains principles applicable to all believers who honor God with their resources.
The Context of Malachi 3:11
Malachi was a prophet in Israel around 430 BC, after the Jews had returned from exile in Babylon. Malachi confronted the spiritual apathy and sin of the people, calling them to wholeheartedly obey and honor God.
In Malachi 3, God chastises the people for robbing Him of tithes and offerings (v.8-10). As a result, He allowed “the devourer” to ruin their crops (v.11). But God promises to rebuke and drive away this devourer if the people repent and give God His due.
Malachi 3:10-12 – Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.
“The devourer” likely refers to locusts, worms, drought, blight, and other forces that could ruin Israel’s agriculture-based economy as punishment for their sins. But by honoring God, He promised to protect and bless their crops instead.
The Blessing of Rebuking the Devourer
For an agrarian society like ancient Israel, the promise of rebuking the devourer and protecting crops was a tremendous blessing. Several key principles emerge:
- God controls nature and all the forces that affect crops and livelihoods. As Creator, nothing can harm His people unless He allows it.
- Disobedience brings God’s discipline, including devastation of basic resources and income.
- Obedience brings God’s favor and protection from forces that seek to “devour.”
- Honoring God with tithes and offerings unleashes His provision and blessing.
- Generosity to God brings His generosity in return, until “no more need.”
This principle of rebuking the devourer was a powerful motivation for Israel to repent and honor God, knowing He could protect and multiply their crops. It remains relevant today.
Application for Believers Today
While modern economies are not as agriculture-based as ancient Israel’s, the devourer principle contains truth for all believers:
- God is sovereign over the forces that affect our livelihood and assets.
- Disobedience brings God’s discipline in our material provisions.
- Obedience brings God’s favor and protection of our income and possessions.
- Honoring God with faithful giving unleashes His generosity towards us.
- God desires to bless us materially when we obey and honor Him.
Examples of modern “devourers” can include:
- Job loss or underemployment.
- Unexpected house or car repairs.
- Medical bills and healthcare costs.
- Debt and interest payments.
- Lawsuits or legal problems.
- Natural disasters damaging property.
- Fraud, scams, identity theft.
- Waste, overspending, poor budgeting.
Believers today honor God by giving cheerfully, generously, and sacrificially from our incomes (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). This unleashes God’s favor and protection from forces seeking to devour and destroy what He has entrusted to us. It activates His promise to rebuke the devourer and open His bountiful blessings (Malachi 3:10-12).
Practical Steps to Honor God Over Finances
Here are some practical ways believers can apply the devourer principle:
- Give faithfully: Commit to give a percentage (tithe) or amount of income consistently to your local church and other ministries making an impact (2 Corinthians 8:5). Set it up so it’s automatic every pay period.
- Give sacrificially: When faced with an opportunity to support God’s work, be willing to give generously out of faith, even if it seems like “too much.” Trust God to provide and bless the sacrifice (Mark 12:41-44).
- Give cheerfully: God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). Give with joy, not obligation. See it as sowing into eternal purposes, not losing money.
- Give expectantly: When giving, claim God’s devourer-rebuking promises by faith. Thank Him in advance for protection and blessing. Expect prosperity in spiritual fruit and material increase.
- Review spending and budgeting: Evaluate lifestyle and spending patterns in light of eternal values. Avoid waste and indulgence. Direct more resources to honor God.
- Use finances for eternal impacts: Support gospel ministry locally and globally. Leverage wealth for eternal souls, discipleship, acts of mercy. Invest in God’s kingdom.
As Malachi 3 promises, the devourer principle remains valid today. Honoring God protects assets and provides for needs. Disobedience opens the door to devourers that can strip away hard-earned resources. Believers who give generously and walk in obedience can trust God to rebuke the modern-day devourers and open His limitless blessings.
Answered Questions
Here are some common questions about rebuking the devourer:
What are some examples of “devourers” today?
Examples of modern “devourers” can include: job loss, house/car repairs, medical bills, debt payments, lawsuits, disasters damaging property, fraud/scams, waste/poor budgeting. Anything that seeks to consume your assets and income.
Is the devourer principle just about protecting crops?
No, it applies to all aspects of finances and assets for believers today. While crops were the main application for ancient Israel’s agricultural economy, God still controls the forces seeking to consume modern incomes and wealth.
Can Christians 100% avoid devourers through their giving?
No, even generous believers face trials and loss. But obedient giving releases God’s protection and blessings in greater measure. Giving by faith fortifies against devourers even in suffering.
What if I can’t afford to tithe 10%? Does this mean the devourer will consume me?
No. God judges our hearts more than amounts. Give generously within your means, even if less than a tithe. Trust God to bless small steps of faith and obedience.
What kinds of blessings come from rebuking the devourer?
Protection of existing income/assets, financial increase, prosperity for generosity, security despite loss, confidence in God’s provision, spiritual fruits, use of resources for eternal impacts.
Does this promise only apply to believers?
Yes, Malachi’s promise was specifically given to God’s covenant people, those who honor Him above all. The principles reflect His care for those who obey Him, not universal prosperity unrelated to obedience.