Another explanation of the verse "Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another" (Malachi 3:16): Rabbi Chiya, in the name of Rabbi Abba, said that this refers to the time when the sages sit together and engage in Torah study. They debate with one another, similar to what is said in Psalm 47: "He subdued peoples under us." God stimulates their conversation, as it is said in Malachi 3:16: "Then the Lord listened and heard." Rabbi Yaakov bar Zebedi said in the name of Rabbi Abbahu that God illuminates their homes. Rabbi Abba said that this is why the sages are called "mar" (master), which means that they are masters of the world.