1. Malachi 3:15 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What do the opening words “and now” indicate?

Malachi 3:15 (ESV)

15 And now we call the arrogant blessed. Evildoers not only prosper but they put God to the test and they escape.’”

These words indicate a differentiation of times, comparing the former times when they served the Lord as mourners with the present time, when they call the arrogant blessed. Disillusionment has set in, so after a period of service, they have given up hope of attaining any advantage by serving the Lord.