Il principio della retribuzione in Malachia 3,13-21

In this article, the author presents the theme of God's righteousness in Malachi 3:13-21, which is the manner God behaves towards the righteous and the wicked, keeping in mind the message of the book on the covenant and the announcement of the day of Yhwh. The author attempts to place this section in the background of the prophet's preaching. This topic is part of the theodicy theme present in the OT, particularly in the book of Job. In dealing with divine justice, Malachi is in line with the other writings of the Twelve that refers to a decisive intervention by God. The original contribution of Malachi stands out in his treatment of the topic of the triumph of the just over the wicked and in his application of the wisdom criterion in reading this theme. This way of presenting justice can be explained in the light of post-exilic theology influenced by sapiential reflection.