As in previous disputations, this pericope begins with the prophet laying an accusation of wrongdoing against the people of Israel (Malachi 2:17a). It is followed by Israel’s request for proof to substantiate that accusation of wrongdoing (Malachi 2:17b). Then the Lord of hosts provides the evidence of wrongdoing (Malachi 2:17c). Finally, there is a larger section in which the Lord of hosts declares what he will do in response to Israel’s wrongdoing. (Malachi 3:1–5). It is unfortunate that Malachi 2:17 is included with the previous chapter, which gives the impression that it belongs to the third disputation. Malachi 2:17 clearly belongs to the fourth disputation, for in Malachi 3:1–5 the Lord responds to Israel's question in Malachi 2:17. Israel asks, Where is the God of justice?
And in Malachi 3:1–5, God responds and says, I’m coming!
It would have been more favourable if the division between chapters 2 and 3 had been inserted after Malachi 2:16, with Malachi 2:17 beginning a new chapter.
17 Vous fatiguez l'Eternel par vos paroles, Et vous dites: En quoi l'avons-nous fatigué? C'est en disant: Quiconque fait le mal est bon aux yeux de l'Eternel, Et c'est en lui qu'il prend plaisir! Ou bien: Où est le Dieu de la justice?