Friday, November 29, 2024

Malachi - Why Was it Written?

 MALACHI


(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

  1. Ezra had rebuilt the temple and worship was restored. 
  2. Nehemiah had returned to start the rebuild of Jerusalem and made a 2nd return to finish it. 


Time Period

  1. Very post exilic.  Since there is not a lot of biographical data it is hard to date the writings.
  2. 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?


  1. 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. 
  2. 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)
  3. 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)


  1. Do you love Me the way I love you?  1:1-5
  2. Do you offer Me the sacrifice I deserve? 1:6-14
  3. Does your priest speak the truth in My name? 2:1-9
  4. Do your actions within the family honor Me? 2:10-17 
  5. 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?


  1. Talks about the concept of “righteousness” in light of the character of God.   The book shows us what practical love for God looks like. 
  2. Talks about the future “messenger” from God that will proceed Christ (John the Baptist) - Chapter 3


Reasons to read it:


  1. When you think God isn’t watching anymore.
  2. When you wonder what God thinks of disobedience. 
  3. 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?


  1. 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)
  2. 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)
  3. The spiritual leadership of God’s people are responsible to speak truth and practice truth. 
  4. The family, like the church, is a key picture of how God’s love and God’s truth is practiced
  5. 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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