BOOK OF MALACHI - OVERVIEW
Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament.
About Malachi, the Man
Malachi means "Messenger."
Nehemiah was the prophet during the time of Nehemiah.
The only Old Testament mention of Malachi is in Malachi 1:1.
There is nothing revealed about the prophet's personal life such as what he did for a living, who was his father or tribe and so on. Additionally, the Bible, and even tradition, are also silent regarding how the prophet died or where he was buried.
Malachi was the last Old Testament prophet. Then there was an intergenerational period of 435 years. People call them the "Silent Years" indicating that God was silent. However, God was not silent. He just did not speak to any prophet until John the Baptist came on the scene in the New Testament.
Therefore, John the Baptist is considered to have been the "transitional prophet" that links the Old Testament to the New Testament. Matthew is listed first in the New Testament because of John the Baptist's introduction instead of Mark that was the first gospel to be written. Malachi predicts that the coming of a messenger will clear the way for the Lord. That messenger was John the Baptist that was introduced in Matthew and not in Mark's gospel.
About Malachi, the Book
Malachi is listed as the last Old Testament book in the Bible. The book is the last of the twelve Minor Prophets. It is also the youngest writing of these prophets, and the last book that comes before the New Testament.
Between the time that he wrote, and the time of the first New Testament writing (Gospel of Matthew) is a period of 435 years. The time between Malachi and the last book written in the New Testament, the book of Revelation, is around 496 years.
Location
The location of the events in the book is Judah. The book covers prophecies to the settled remnant in Judah and Jerusalem after their Babylonian captivity. Malachi wrote his book after the temple was rebuilt, and the Levitical priesthood was again serving in Jerusalem.
Keywords
Lord (39x) – Lord of Hosts
robbing God (8x)
name (7x)
day (5x; that day, day is coming)
return (4x)
curse (4x)
messenger (3x)
test (2x)
■ Malachi directs his message to people who are:
• Plagued with corrupt priests.
• Plagued with wicked practices.
• Have a false sense of security regarding their privileged relationship with God.
Malachi uses the question-and-answer method to probe into the problems of:
• Hypocrisy
• Infidelity
• Mixed marriages
• Divorce
• False worship
• Arrogance
Summary
Malachi addresses the spiritual apathy and moral decline of Israel after the exile. It warns of judgment for disobedience but promises blessings for those who honor God, ultimately pointing to the coming of a future messenger.
Historical Context
Malachi was written after the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon. The temple in Jerusalem had been rebuilt, but the spiritual fervor and moral integrity of the people had waned. The Persian Empire was the dominant power, and the Jewish community was struggling with issues of faithfulness and identity.
Audience and Purpose
The prophet addresses the Jewish people, especially the complacent and corrupt priests and leaders, urging national repentance and renewed covenant commitment. He aims to restore Israel’s faithfulness, rebuking spiritual apathy and moral failures, while preparing the people for the LORD’s coming.
Genre and Style
Malachi is a prophetic book characterized by a series of dialogues between God and the people. It uses rhetorical questions and direct speech to convey its message.
Key People
--- The LORD (God) (Malachi 1:1)
The central figure in the Book of Malachi, God is portrayed as addressing the people of Israel through the prophet Malachi. He expresses His love for Israel, rebukes the priests and the people for their unfaithfulness, and promises future judgment and restoration.
---Israelites (Malachi 1:1)
The nation of Israel is addressed collectively as the recipient of God's messages through Malachi. The people are criticized for their lack of faithfulness and proper worship.
---Esau (Malachi 1:2-3)
Esau is mentioned in the context of God's love for Jacob (Israel) and His rejection of Esau. This reference highlights the historical enmity between the descendants of Jacob and Esau.
---Jacob (Malachi 1:2)
Jacob, the ancestor of the Israelites, is mentioned to emphasize God's choice and love for Israel over Esau, despite their shared ancestry.
---The Priests (Malachi 1:6)
The priests are specifically addressed and rebuked for their failure to honor God properly. They are criticized for offering blemished sacrifices and for their general neglect of their duties.
--- Levi (Malachi 2:4)
Levi, the ancestor of the Levitical priesthood, is mentioned in the context of a covenant of life and peace that God made with him. The current priests are contrasted with Levi's faithfulness.
---Tribe of Judah (Malachi 2:11)
The tribe of Judah is mentioned as having been unfaithful to God by marrying foreign women and engaging in idolatry, thus profaning the covenant.
--- Elijah (Malachi 4:5)
Elijah the prophet is mentioned in a prophecy about the future. God promises to send Elijah before the "great and dreadful day of the LORD" to turn the hearts of the people.
Key Places
--- Israel (Malachi 1:1)
Israel is the nation to whom the prophet Malachi is delivering his message. It represents the collective people of God who have returned from Babylonian exile and are now residing in their homeland. The book addresses the spiritual and moral state of the Israelites during this post-exilic period.
---Edom (Malachi 1:4)
Edom is a nation descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob (Israel). Historically, Edom had a contentious relationship with Israel. In Malachi, Edom is used as an example of God's judgment and the futility of opposing His will. The text highlights the contrast between God's treatment of Israel and Edom, emphasizing His love for Israel.
Key Events
1. God's Love for Israel (Malachi 1:2-5)
God declares His love for Israel, contrasting it with His treatment of Esau and Edom. Despite Israel's doubts, God reaffirms His commitment to them.
2. The Priests' Disrespect for God's Name (Malachi 1:6-14)
God accuses the priests of dishonoring Him by offering blemished sacrifices. He emphasizes the importance of pure offerings and reverence for His name.
3. Condemnation of the Priests' Unfaithfulness (Malachi 2:1-9)
God rebukes the priests for failing to uphold their covenantal duties, leading the people astray. He warns them of consequences if they do not reform. The prophet strongly rebuked the priests for dishonoring God through polluted sacrifices and hypocrisy.
4. Judgment Against Unfaithfulness in Marriage (Malachi 2:10-16)
The prophet addresses the issue of faithlessness in marriage, condemning divorce and urging fidelity, as it reflects the covenant relationship with God. The prophet spoke against divorce and unfaithfulness in marriage, stressing the importance of covenant faithfulness,
5. The Coming Messenger (Malachi 2:17-3:5)
God promises to send a messenger to prepare the way for His coming. This messenger will purify the priests and bring judgment against those who do evil. The Israelites complained that evildoers prospered, but Malachi reminded them that God sees all and a day of judgment was coming. The prophet foretells the coming of a messenger who would prepare the way for the Lord, later fulfilled in John the Baptist.
6. Tithes and Offerings (Malachi 3:8)
Malachi contains one of the most well-known teachings about tithing, where God challenges His people to trust Him with their giving. The prophet addresses the issue of robbing God through inadequate tithes and offerings. He calls the people to bring the full tithe into the storehouse, promising blessings in return. "Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me!" (Malachi 3:8).
7. The Righteous and the Wicked (Malachi 3:13-18)
God distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked, noting that those who fear Him will be His treasured possession on the day of judgment.
8. The Day of the Lord (Malachi 4:1-6)
Malachi ends with a call to remember the law with a prophecy about the coming "day of the Lord," which will bring destruction to the wicked and healing to the righteous. Malachi speaks of the “Sun of Righteousness” who would rise with healing in His wings, a prophecy pointing to Christ.
Names and Titles for Jesus
--- Messenger of the Covenant: Malachi 3:1.
--- Refiner and Purifier Malachi 3:2-3
--- The Sun of Righteousness: Malachi 4:2
Summary Table of Key Themes in Malachi
Malachi 1:1 - Name means “My Messenger”
Malachi 1:7 - Halfhearted worship condemned
Malachi 2:7 - Rebuke of corrupt priests
Malachi 2:16 - Warning against divorce
Malachi 2:17 - God’s justice questioned
Malachi 3:1 - Prophecy of John the Baptist
Malachi 3:10 - Teaching on tithing
Malachi 4:2 - Prophecy of the Messiah
Malachi 4:2 - Reminder of Moses’ law
Malachi 4:5 - Last book of Old Testament
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