Malachi delivers a message of rebuke and judgment to the people of Israel, who have grown cold and apathetic in their relationship with the Lord in the years after the return from Babylon. The emphasis on God’s love for Israel in the last book of the Minor Prophets corresponds to the emphasis on the love relationship between God and Israel in Hosea, the first book in this collection. God’s love for His people remains constant. He has preserved them through judgment and promised them a blessed future, but the hearts of the people are far from the Lord.
Who Was Malachi?
The name Malachi means “my messenger.” Some scholars have understood “my messenger” as a title rather than a proper name, but the way in which other Prophetic Books employ the prophets’ actual names argues against this idea.
The fact that nothing is known about Malachi’s personal lineage or history is not uncommon among the prophets. The message conveyed is much more important than the messenger, and the messenger is obviously adequate for the task committed to him.
The purpose of Malachi is to deliver stern rebukes to the people and priests, to call them to repentance, and to promise future blessing. His theme is God’s love for Israel despite the sins of the priests and people.
The Jesus of Malachi
The Book of Malachi is the prelude to four hundred years of prophetic silence, broken finally by the words of the next prophet, John the Baptist: “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
Malachi predicts the coming of the messenger who will clear the way before the Lord (Malachi 3:1). John the Baptist later fulfills this prophecy, but the next few verses jump ahead to Christ in His second advent (Malachi 3:2-5).
Keys to Malachi
Key Phrase: An Appeal to Backsliders
The divine dialogue in Malachi’s prophecy is designed as an appeal to break through the barrier of Israel’s disbelief, disappointment, and discouragement. The promised time of prosperity has not yet come, and the prevailing attitude that it is not worth serving God becomes evident in their moral and religious corruption. However, God reveals His continuing love in spite of Israel’s lethargy.
Key Verse: Malachi 2:17-3:1
You have wearied the Lord with your words;
Yet you say,
“In what way have we wearied Him?”
In that you say,
“Everyone who does evil
Is good in the sight of the Lord,
And He delights in them,”
Or, “Where is the God of justice?”
“Behold, I send My messenger,
And he will prepare the way before Me.
And the Lord, whom you seek,
Will suddenly come to His temple,
Even the Messenger of the covenant,
In whom you delight.
Behold, He is coming,”
Says the Lord of hosts.
Key Chapter: Malachi 3
The last book of the Old Testament concludes with a dramatic prophecy of the coming of the Lord and John the Baptist. Israel flocked to the Jordan four hundred years later when the voice was heard, breaking the long silence of prophetic revelation. Malachi 3 and 4 record the coming of the Messiah and His forerunner.
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Content in this article is taken from the Evangelical Study Bible.
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Content in this article is also taken from the Open Bible.
The Bible is a collection of 66 books written by many writers over a vast time period, and yet it’s the unified Word of God. The Open Bible offers easy navigation through the interconnected themes and teachings in Scripture with a time-tested complete reference system trusted by millions. Book introductions and outlines augment your study providing an understanding of context and themes from beginning to end. Click here to learn more about the Open Bible
1 reply on “Who was Malachi”
Thank you for this teaching. I have improved in knowledge from it.
Thank you.