SURVEY OF THE BOOK OF MALACHI

The book of Malachi was written about 430 B.C. Malachi attacks the evil that arise in Jerusalem after the temple is rebuilt. His message of judgment is the last word from God for 400 years of silence until John the Baptist appeared on the scene.

Chapter 1:1-5: The privilege of God’s love – The people of Jerusalem lost their view on God’s work and His love for them in the past because they were wallowing in the problems of their present condition.

Chapters 1:6 – 2:9: The pollution of the priests – Consumed by greed, the priests were breaking God’s law by offering imperfect and diseased animals on the altar and keeping the best for themselves. Because of their disobedience, God withholds His blessings.

Chapters 2:10-3:15: The problems of the people – The people are as bad as the priest. They are divorcing their Jewish wives to marry foreign women. They are robbing God of the tithes and offering due Him, and in pride they challenge God’s character.

Chapters 3:16 – 4:6: The promise of the Lord – God answers the people’s challenge concerning His promises. God says a day is coming when it will not be “futile to serve God” (3:4), and those who fear God will be blessed. But there is a time coming when the wicked will be judged. Although the people had been cured of idolatry, there was little spiritual progress. Sin was everywhere, and the need for the coming Messiah was greater than ever.

Theological contributions: Malachi predicted the coming of God’s messenger before the Messiah (3:1; 4:5). This prophecy was fulfilled by John the Baptist. Malachi also prophesied about the second coming of Christ (4:2). This is a very important event that all Christians look forward to. Malachi teaches that a proper tithe is a pure gift, recognizing the great name of Yahweh (1:11). A proper tithe is a sign of returning fully to God in faithful service (3:7). God has a high regard for marriage. Malachi teaches that the Lord hates divorce.  “I hate divorce, says the LORD” (2:16). What the Lord has joined together, let no one put asunder.