(Means: My Messenger) Some debate that this was just a general term and not a person named Malachi
Prophecy Against
This is a prophecy to encourage the nation Israel now that the temple was built to continue in the walk with God. There was a need to match their belief by faith with the performance of faith.
Historical Setting
- Ezra had rebuilt the temple and worship was restored.
- Nehemiah had returned to start the rebuild of Jerusalem and made a 2nd return to finish it.
Time Period
- Very post exilic. Since there is not a lot of biographical data it is hard to date the writings.
- Because of the sin that is mentioned it seems that Malachi was a contemporary of Nehemiah so they dated around 435 B.C.
Historical Theme - What did it mean then?
- Even though the "form" of worship was returned with the re-building of the temple, it was not matched with the re-building of the heart of worship. Malachi was sent to re-rebuild the heart.
- Once they had safety and the form of worship restored the people became bored and fell into sin (think about Aaron's day and the making of the golden calf)
- Ezra rebuilt the temple; Nehemiah rebuilt the city; Malachi rebuilt the heart
Outline of the Book
(Five indictments of a life not focused on God)
- Do you love Me the way I love you? 1:1-5
- Do you offer Me the sacrifice I deserve? 1:6-14
- Does your priest speak the truth in My name? 2:1-9
- Do your actions within the family honor Me? 2:10-17
- Why do you rob me? 3:9-15
(There is an Interlude between #4 and #5: The messenger preparing the way to righteousness
Response and conclusion: God blesses and restores
Future Theme - What's it mean in future?
- Talks about the concept of “righteousness” in light of the character of God. The book shows us what practical love for God looks like.
- Talks about the future “messenger” from God that will proceed Christ (John the Baptist) - Chapter 3
Reasons to read it:
- When you think God isn’t watching anymore.
- When you wonder what God thinks of disobedience.
- When you doubt that God is concerned about our lives ... the very practical aspects of our lives.
Practical Theme
What does it mean for me today?
- The answer to spiritual immaturity is the preaching of the deep doctrines of God (1:1-6) (God chooses us - we don’t choose Him)
- God expects our best in our worship and sacrifice to Him. He would prefer we just don't worship if the worship is less than our best (1:7-14)
- The spiritual leadership of God’s people are responsible to speak truth and practice truth.
- The family, like the church, is a key picture of how God’s love and God’s truth is practiced
- God doesn’t need our money or possessions but He is sure interested in what we do with it in that it shows the character of our hearts.
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