Bible Book of Malachi | Faithful Hearts and Giving
God's final message to Israel before the silent years, rebuking religious formalism and promising a coming messenger. Malachi chapters explained with summary and commentary.
About Malachi
Genre: Minor Prophet. Theme: Faithful Hearts and Giving
- Author
- Malachi
- Date
- c. 430 BC
- Read Time
- 15 mins
- Purpose
- To confront apathy and prepare for the Messenger.
- Key Verse
- Mal 3:1 - Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me.
- Christ
- The Sun of Righteousness.
- Audience
- A cynical, formalistic generation that had grown bored with God
- Ending
- Final OT book, 400 years of silence follow.
- Disputation Method
- The entire book is a series of seven debates where God quotes the people's cynical thoughts.
- Prophetic Bridge
- Closes the Old Testament with the promise of a 'new Elijah' before the Day of the Lord.
Malachi confronts the 'spiritual rot' of a people who were still going through the motions of religion without any heart.
The book targets the corrupt priesthood, the broken marriages, and the stinginess of the worshippers.
Jesus is the Sun of Righteousness (4:2) who rises with healing in His wings.
Overview of Malachi
Malachi 1 - God Loves Jacob and hates Esau
"I have loved you," says the LORD. "Where is my honour? You offer blind and lame sacrifices. My name will be great among the nations."
Malachi 2 - The Lord Rebukes the Priests
"Now, O priests, I will curse you. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi." Judah has profaned the sanctuary. The LORD hates divorce.
Malachi 3 - Robbing God
"My messenger will prepare the way. I will come to judge. You have robbed me of tithes. The LORD will remember those who serve him."
Malachi 4 - The Great Day of the Lord
"The day is coming like a furnace. The sun of righteousness will rise. The wicked will be ashes. I will send you Elijah the prophet."