Malachi
Introduction: We know nothing about this prophet personally. His name means, “My messenger.” He prophesied during or shortly after the ministry of Nehemiah, around 420 B.C. He was the last of God’s prophets for 400 years, until John the Baptist came on the scene as predicted by Malachi (3:1; 4:5). He preached against many of the same sins that Nehemiah did: Corruption of the priesthood (Mal. 1:6-2:9; Neh. 13:7-9); marriage to heathen wives (Mal. 2:10-12; Neh. 13:23-28); social wrongs (Mal. 3:5; Neh. 5:1-13); and the neglect of paying tithes (Mal. 3:8-10; Neh. 13:10-14). But his overall theme, which opens the book, is the indifference of God’s people to His great love for them.
To understand Malachi’s message, we need to see that these people were not openly rebellious against God. They were back in the land after the Babylonian captivity. Some of them may have worked with Nehemiah on rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. They were offering sacrifices at the rebuilt temple. They were outwardly following the Law of Moses and the prescribed rituals. If you had asked how they were doing spiritually, they would have said, “Fine!”
But that was not God’s evaluation! Through Malachi, God confronts His people with their apathy toward His great love. No less than 47 out of 55 verses are spoken directly by God, the highest percentage in any of the prophetic books. The response of the people is either astonishment or cynicism. In effect, they say, “You’ve got to be kidding! No way!” Malachi reveals their blindness to their own indifference with a series of questions which they ask in response to his indictments
References:
Study based (some of my documented views differ) on Steven Coles notes: https://bible.org/series/malachi (above introductory comments used directly from his introductory page)
https://www.bibleref.com/Malachi/ (Majority of notes takes directly from this resource)
To understand Malachi’s message, we need to see that these people were not openly rebellious against God. They were back in the land after the Babylonian captivity. Some of them may have worked with Nehemiah on rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. They were offering sacrifices at the rebuilt temple. They were outwardly following the Law of Moses and the prescribed rituals. If you had asked how they were doing spiritually, they would have said, “Fine!”
But that was not God’s evaluation! Through Malachi, God confronts His people with their apathy toward His great love. No less than 47 out of 55 verses are spoken directly by God, the highest percentage in any of the prophetic books. The response of the people is either astonishment or cynicism. In effect, they say, “You’ve got to be kidding! No way!” Malachi reveals their blindness to their own indifference with a series of questions which they ask in response to his indictments
References:
Study based (some of my documented views differ) on Steven Coles notes: https://bible.org/series/malachi (above introductory comments used directly from his introductory page)
https://www.bibleref.com/Malachi/ (Majority of notes takes directly from this resource)
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Chapter 1
------------------------------------------------ The Israelites had become too casual and contemptuous in their worship of the Lord. Because they had lost sight of God's love for them and too focused on their circumstances, they became profane in their daily worship practices; giving from what was leftover and convenient instead of making God priority and giving Him their best. The priests also failed to do their duty. They allowed the improper sacrifices and were not teaching the people. They acted in legalism and apathy. |
Chapter 2
------------------------------------------------ The priests are warned if the do not change, they will be under the curse of God. While the priests are being unfaithful to God, the people of Israel are also being unfaithful to each other. In particular, they are marrying pagans, and committing divorce, which God absolutely despises. God's covenant with Israel included both blessings for obedience, and consequences for disobedience. And yet, as Israel disobeys, they blame God for their hardships. God's people are defying Him, then blaming Him for the end results! |
Chapter 3
---------------------------------------------------- The final message is an appeal for God's chosen people to return. God would prefer to see them redeemed, than to be destroyed, when the end finally comes. This passage includes God's promise to send a messenger heralding the Messiah. And, that the Promised One will someday rule and conquer the wicked. In the meantime, Israel must stop ''robbing'' Him by withholding His tithes and offerings. Only God's unchanging nature has kept Israel from destruction. At the same time, God will remember those who have been faithful during these faithless times. |
Chapter 4
------------------------------------------------ Malachi chapter 4 is very short, and serves only to finish off the thoughts begun in chapter 3. The impending judgment of God is described in vivid terms. Those who dishonor God will be consumed in a furnace of judgment. Those who respect Him will be healed and set free. Malachi appeals, on behalf of God, for Israel to be faithful to the covenant God made with Moses. After promising the return of Elijah, to once again appeal to the people, God will be silent for four hundred years. This silence will not be broken until the appearance of John the Baptist. |