3:3 he will purify the sons of Levi. The priests had been instrumental in leading the people astray. The work of purification will begin with them, and it will spread from them to the whole of the nation. The Levites were the pattern for the nation, which was to be “a kingdom of priests” (Ex. 19:6).

offerings in righteousness. See 1:11, “a pure offering.” Because of the work of the messenger of the covenant, proper worship will again be offered, since the hearts and lives of the offerers will be purified (Ps. 4:5; Zeph. 3:9).