3:1–5 This section rebuts the two cynical statements of 2:17. The allegation that God does not differentiate between good and evil is answered in v. 2 by referring to the refining and purifying ministry of the messenger of the covenant. The second statement, “Where is the God of justice?” (2:17), is answered in v. 5. The Jews were looking for the Lord to judge the nations, but instead the Lord will come near to them for judgment (v. 5).