The Book of Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament and likely written between 440-400 BC. Malachi was a prophet who delivered God’s message to the Israelites after their return from exile in Babylon. Here are some key questions people may have about the Book of Malachi:
Who wrote the Book of Malachi?
The author of the Book of Malachi identifies himself simply as “Malachi” which means “my messenger” in Hebrew. Some believe this is an actual person named Malachi, while others think it may be a title rather than a proper name. Ultimately, we don’t know the precise identity of the author.
What is the main message of Malachi?
Malachi’s main message is a rebuke against the priests and people of Israel for their sin and unfaithfulness towards God. Malachi confronts the priests for offering defective sacrifices (Malachi 1:6-14), acting unfaithfully (Malachi 2:1-9), and failing to honor God (Malachi 2:10-16). He also rebukes the people for intermarrying with pagans (Malachi 2:10-16), divorcing their wives (Malachi 2:13-16), withholding tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:6-12), and questioning God’s justice (Malachi 2:17). Undergirding his critique is a call to wholeheartedly return to faithful covenant relationship with God.
What sins did Malachi condemn?
Some of the key sins Malachi confronted include:
- The priests offering defective or blemished sacrifices (Malachi 1:6-14)
- The priests failing to honor God and teach the law faithfully (Malachi 2:1-9)
- Intermarriage with pagan peoples (Malachi 2:10-12)
- Divorce and unfaithfulness to one’s wife (Malachi 2:13-16)
- Withholding tithes and offerings from God (Malachi 3:6-12)
- Questioning God’s justice and non-intervention (Malachi 2:17)
What is Malachi’s teaching about tithing?
In Malachi 3:6-12, God calls out the people for failing to bring their full tithes and offerings to the temple. He urges them to return to Him wholeheartedly so He can reopen the windows of blessing upon them. God promises to rebuke the devourer on their behalf and protect their crops if they honor Him with their wealth. Malachi teaches the importance of giving back to God rather than selfishly hoarding all of one’s money and resources.
How does Malachi prophesy about the coming Messiah?
Malachi contains several prophecies about the coming Messiah:
- “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes.” (Malachi 4:5) This prophecy about Elijah paved the way for John the Baptist to fulfill an Elijah-like forerunner role for Christ.
- “But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.” (Malachi 4:2) This refers to the coming of the Messiah bringing light, healing, and restoration.
- “A son honors his father, and a slave his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?” says the Lord Almighty.” (Malachi 1:6) God desires the honor due to a father, which Jesus perfectly fulfills in His relationship to the Father.
How does Malachi rebuke the priests?
Malachi offers strong rebukes for the unfaithfulness and negligence of the priests in Israel (likely descendants of Aaron):
- Malachi condemns them for offering sick, lame, and blemished sacrifices which show dishonor to God (Malachi 1:6-14)
- He accuses them of acting unfaithfully by failing to honor God and teach the law to the people (Malachi 2:1-9)
- He rebukes the priests for failing to turn people back from sin and for causing many to stumble in the law (Malachi 2:8)
- Malachi warns that the priests’ improper sacrifices and ministry have caused God to withhold His blessing (Malachi 2:2)
What is the significance of “Jacob” and “Esau” in Malachi?
In Malachi 1:2-5, God declares His love for Jacob but hatred for Esau. Jacob represents the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people, while Esau represents Edom, a nation who opposed Israel. This emphasizes God’s special covenant love for Israel in choosing them and God’s plan to discipline the nations who mistreat them.
How does Malachi highlight God’s justice?
Some key ways Malachi highlights God’s justice include:
- God will punish Edom for their violence against Israel (Malachi 1:2-5)
- God will rebuke the priests for their unfaithfulness (Malachi 1:6-2:9)
- God sees all sin and will judge accordingly (Malachi 2:17, 3:5)
- God will spare those who honor Him and punish those who continue in sin (Malachi 3:13-4:3)
- The Day of the Lord is coming for judgment and purification (Malachi 4:1, 5)
What is the purpose of Malachi’s harsh tone?
Malachi’s often harsh, confrontational tone serves to shock both the priests and people into recognizing the severity of their sin. His direct rebukes shake them from complacency in hopes they will see their need to repent. Malachi highlights their hypocrisy and violations of the covenant so they will turn back to God. His tone reflects God’s displeasure at their disobedience and desire for their restoration.
What reforms did Malachi inspire in Israel?
Malachi’s message brought about key reforms in Israel:
- The priests were rebuked and called to again show proper reverence for God.
- Nehemiah took measures after hearing Malachi’s rebuke of intermarriage (Nehemiah 13:23-27).
- Tithing was renewed with all offerings brought to the temple storehouse (Nehemiah 13:10-12).
- Sabbath reforms were instituted so proper rest and worship were maintained.
- The people as a whole drew closer to God in covenant faithfulness.
How does Malachi connect to the New Testament?
There are several key connections between Malachi and the New Testament:
- Malachi 3-4 prophesies about John the Baptist coming in the spirit of Elijah to prepare the way for Christ (Matthew 11:10, Mark 1:2, Luke 7:27).
- Jesus references Malachi 1:2-3 to affirm John the Baptist as the prophesied Elijah who prepares His way (Matthew 11:14).
- Malachi 1:11 predicts how God’s name will be great among the nations, which is fulfilled as the Gospel extends globally (Romans 15:9-12).
- Malachi’s rebuke against divorce aligns with Jesus’ teaching reinforcing the permanence of marriage (Matthew 19:3-9).
- The cleansing and refining prophesied in Malachi 3:2-3 finds echoes in Christ’s ministry.
What is the structure of the Book of Malachi?
Malachi follows this basic structure:
- Superscription (Malachi 1:1)
- God’s Love for Israel (Malachi 1:2-5)
- Rebuke against the Priests (Malachi 1:6-2:9)
- Rebuke against the People (Malachi 2:10-16)
- Coming Judgment and Redemption (Malachi 2:17-4:6)
What are some key verses in Malachi?
Some important verses include:
- “But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.” (Malachi 4:2)
- “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes.” (Malachi 4:5)
- “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” (Malachi 3:10)
How is the Day of the Lord described in Malachi?
Malachi refers to the coming “Day of the Lord” as a day of judgment when the wicked will be destroyed and the righteous delivered (Malachi 4:1, 5). It will be preceded by an Elijah-like forerunner (Malachi 4:5). The day is described as “great and dreadful” and will involve fire as God purifies and redeems His people (Malachi 3:2, 4:1). Malachi likely intended this day to signify both near-term judgment on wicked nations around Israel as well as the ultimate messianic judgment and salvation.
What are some lessons we can learn from Malachi?
Some key lessons from Malachi include:
- Zeal and wholeheartedness for God and His law
- Faithfulness in our covenant relationship with God
- The danger of religious hypocrisy and empty ritual
- Honoring God with our resources through tithing
- Upholding the permanence of marriage
- Waiting eagerly for the coming Day of the Lord
The Book of Malachi offers a powerful, convicting message to shake God’s people out of complacency and call them back to covenant faithfulness. It reminds us of the importance of honoring God with our heart, actions, and resources. Malachi calls all believers to live with sincerity, integrity, and wholehearted devotion in anticipation of Christ’s return.
