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Old Testament

Malachi

4 chapters

Start reading: Malachi 1

About this book

Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament, and it is built as a series of disputes. Again and again God makes a statement, the people ask how that could be, and God answers. The temple has been rebuilt, but enthusiasm has cooled. Worshipers bring blemished animals, priests go through the motions, marriages are broken, justice is neglected and tithes are withheld. Behind it all lies a quiet suspicion that serving God makes no difference. Malachi begins by reminding Israel of God's steady love and then confronts their half-hearted worship and unfaithfulness to one another. He promises that the Lord will suddenly come to his temple, purify the sons of Levi like a refiner, and draw near in judgment. He also invites the people to return and promises that those who honor the Lord will be remembered. The book ends looking forward to a messenger who will prepare the way, a promise Christians have long connected with John the Baptist. Its final words leave the reader waiting, which is where the Old Testament closes and the Gospels begin.

Author
The prophet Malachi, whose name means my messenger; it may be a title rather than a personal name.
Date
Probably the mid-400s BC, after the temple was rebuilt, around the time of Nehemiah.
Audience
The people of Judah in the Persian period, including priests and ordinary families.

Themes

God's faithful loveSincere worshipFaithfulness in marriage and communityJustice and the coming messengerReturning to the Lord

Outline

  1. 1:1–1:5God's love for Israel
  2. 1:6–2:9Worship that dishonors God
  3. 2:10–2:16Unfaithfulness in marriage and community
  4. 2:17–3:5Where is the God of justice?
  5. 3:6–3:12A call to return
  6. 3:13–4:6The day of the Lord and the promised messenger

Key verses

Malachi 1:2Malachi 3:1Malachi 3:10Malachi 4:5-6

Chapters of Malachi

  1. 1Malachi 1Malachi opens with the Lord's word to Israel: I have loved you.
  2. 2Malachi 2The rebuke to the priests continues: if they do not take to heart the honor of God's name, he will curse their blessings.
  3. 3Malachi 3God announces that he will send his messenger to prepare the way before him, and then the Lord they seek will suddenly come to his temple, the messenger of the covenant.
  4. 4Malachi 4The book, and the Old Testament in the Christian order, closes with a sober and hopeful word about the coming day.
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