Malachi

Malachi was written by the prophet Malachi to the Jewish people of Jerusalem and Judah around 430 BC. Malachi delivers a series of disputes between God and the people of Israel, the people's objections, and answers those objections. He rebukes the priests and the people for not following God's instruction for offerings, marriage, and tithing. Despite their disobedience, Malachi assures that God’s justice will prevail and promises a messenger who will prepare the way for the LORD.

Israel Doubts God's Love - Chapter 1

Malachi delivers a message from the LORD, declaring His love for Israel. Some people question God's love, so God contrasts His favor toward Jacob (Israel) with His rejection of Esau (Edom). Despite Edom's attempts to rebuild, God vows to continually demolish their efforts. This judgment on Edom will serve as a testimony of the LORD's greatness, extending beyond the borders of Israel.

Breaking Covenant Through Blemished Sacrifices

God rebukes the priests for offering defective, blemished sacrifices. God tells the people that they would not offer their governor the same food as they would reject it, so why offer it to the LORD? God expresses His displeasure and declares that He would rather the temple doors be shut than receive such worthless offerings. God emphasizes that His name will be revered among all nations, and He curses those who promise to give their best but offer blemished sacrifices.

Additional Warning To The Priests - Chapter 2

God warns the priests that if they do not honor His name, He will curse their blessings and rebuke their descendants. He condemns their failure to uphold the covenant with Levi. The priests were supposed to preserve knowledge and guide people in righteousness, but they have caused many to stumble through their false teachings. God declares that He will make them despised and humiliated before the people for showing partiality in their judgments.

Breaking Covenant Through Divorce

Malachi rebukes the people of Judah for their unfaithfulness by marrying foreign women who worship other gods. God rejects their offerings because of their unfaithfulness to their wives, breaking the marriage covenant. He reminds them that God desires godly offspring and condemns divorce as an act of violence against one’s spouse.

Breaking Covenant Through Injustice - Chapter 3

Malachi says that the people have tired God by claiming that evildoers are good in His eyes and by questioning His justice. God announces the coming of His messenger, who will prepare the way for the LORD’s arrival at the temple. The messenger will purify the Levites, like a refiner’s fire. God will judge those who practice sorcery, adultery, perjury, and oppression, ensuring justice for the vulnerable.

Breaking Covenant By Withholding Tithes

God curses the people for robbing Him by withholding tithes and offerings. He calls them to return to Him by bringing the full tithe into the storehouse, promising abundant blessings in return. God invites them to test His faithfulness, assuring them that their obedience will lead to prosperity and protection.

Israel Speaks Arrogantly Against God

The people of Israel arrogantly question the value of serving God and complain that evildoers prosper and escape punishment while the righteous seem to gain nothing. They express frustration, believing that their devotion to God is futile and that those who challenge Him are blessed.

The Faithful Remnant

In contrast to the arrogant, a faithful remnant fears the LORD. God writes the name of those who fear and honor Him in the scroll of remembrance. God promises to treasure and spare these faithful ones on the day of His judgment, like a father sparing a devoted son.

Judgment And Covenant Renewal - Chapter 4

God warns of an impending day of judgment that will consume the arrogant and evildoers completely. Those who revere God's name will have healing and victory over the wicked. God reminds the people to remember the law of Moses. God promises to send the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day arrives, to restore relationships within families and prevent total destruction.