Author

The book was written by “Malachi,” though there are differing opinions as to whether this was in fact the prophet’s name, or simply a title, as the word means “my messenger.” The Hebrew word is used in two distinct ways in the book. The first acts as the by-line for the book in 1:1. However, in 3:1 the same word, “Malachi” is used to point to a future messenger, which could be either in reference to John the Baptizer or to Jesus Himself.

If the book is written by a man named Malachi, we do not know anything more about his personal life or background that this.

Date

The exact date of Malachi’s writings is another point on contention among biblical scholars. At least 4 dates are offered:

• Before Nehemiah. Malachi uses the word ‘governor’ in 1:8, which some scholars take to mean that an Assyrian governor was still in control, and Nehemiah has not yet been commissioned by the King to take this post (see Nehemiah 4:14). He also does not speak on the issue of keeping the Sabbath; an issue which also arose later in Nehemiah’s time (see Nehemiah 13:15-22).
• Before Ezra (but after the initial work on rebuilding the Temple had taken place). Sacrifices are being performed in the Temple incorrectly (1:7-10). Some scholars believe that Malachi’s condemnation of sin and incorrect worship practices predates Ezra’s reading of the law, since the people respond in repentance to Ezra’s proclamation.
• Contemporary of Nehemiah: There is a similarity in the way both men were attempting to reform life and reestablish the faith in Israel, including the issues of tithing and intermarrying with foreigners.
• During Nehemiah’s Absence (see Nehemiah 13:6). This idea is used to reconcile the use of the word ‘governor,’ as another would have taken the place of Nehemiah’s during his absence, with the similarities of focus between Malachi and Nehemiah.

Audience and Purpose

Despite the lack of an exact date, scholars all tend to agree the Malachi was writing during the time of Persian rule, to the returnees in the land. This would put him clearly within a generation of the work of Nehemiah and Ezra, if not a contemporary minister. His focus, then would be similar to that of other writers at the time: Ezra/Nehemiah, Haggai,  and Zechariah. His call is to restore true worship and holiness among God’s people, yet Malachi also focuses heavily on future prophecy as well, including many insights into the coming Messiah.

Major Themes

• Covenant. Malachi puts a great emphasis on restoring God’s people to covenant relationship with God, through the keeping of the law.
• Repentance and Correct Worship. Specifically, Malachi speaks to the issues of sacrifices, tithes, intermarriage, and divorce.
• Messianic Prophecy.
• God’s Glory and the Nations.

Key Scriptures

• Malachi 1:11 — “For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts.”
• Malachi 3:1 — “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.”
• Malachi 4:2a — “But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings.”

Outline

• Malachi 1:1-5 — God’s First dispute: Concerning Edom
• Malachi 1:6-2:9 — God’s Second dispute: Concerning the Priests
• Malachi 2:10-16 —God’s Third dispute: Concerning Unfaithfulness
• Malachi 2:17-3:5 — God’s Fourth dispute: Concerning the Messenger of the Lord
• Malachi 3:6-12 — God’s Fifth dispute: Concerning Tithes
• Malachi 3:13-4:3 — God’s Sixth dispute: Concerning the Day of Yahweh
• Malachi 4:4-6 — Summary and Final Prophecy

Gospel Summary

The gospel message can clearly be seen in Malachi in verses 2:17 to 3:5. He begins by pointing out that sin is the norm among the people, and it is exhausting to God to see His people neglect their diving calling and destiny: 

“You have wearied the Lord with your words. But you say, “How have we wearied him?” By saying, “Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delights in them.” Or by asking, “Where is the God of justice?”

^{Malachi 2:17}

This one verse summarizes everything Malachi has been calling out up to this point, in the sins of the priests and the unfaithfulness of the people (1:6-2:16). However, he immediately begins promising another “Malachi” (“my messenger”) who will come and fully restore God’s covenant with the people.

“For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.”

^{Malachi 2:2b-3}

The book finishes by identifying this coming “Malachi” to another Elijah, who will not only preach the law, as all prophets before Him, but who would actually restore the hearts of mankind to God and reestablish right relationship among men (see 4:2-6).

In the Protestant cannon of scripture, Malachi is the last minor prophet in the Old Testament. His words are followed by 400 years of silence, until the next words we hear in scripture is “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham,” as the gospel writer proclaims that God’s final messenger — the promised Messiah — had come (Matthew 1:1).

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© Anthony Scott Ingram 2021. All Rights Reserved.

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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

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