Old Testament

Malachi

Author Malachi

Date Written ~435–415 BC

Chapters 4

Theme Covenant faithfulness and coming judgment

Summary

Malachi, the last Old Testament prophet, confronts post-exilic Israel about their spiritual apathy, corrupt worship, and social injustice. Through a series of disputations, God challenges his people's half-hearted devotion and promises the coming of a messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord.

Outline

God's Love for Israel Affirmed (1:1–5)
Rebuke of the Priests (1:6–2:9)
Unfaithfulness in Marriage and Social Justice (2:10–16)
The Coming Day of Judgment (2:17–3:5)
Tithing and the Book of Remembrance (3:6–18)
The Day of the LORD and Elijah's Return (4)

Key Verses

Malachi 3:1

"I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple."

Malachi 3:6

"I the LORD do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed."

Malachi 4:2

"But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays."

Christ in Malachi

The messenger preparing the way (3:1, fulfilled in John the Baptist); the Sun of Righteousness (4:2); the Lord who suddenly comes to his temple

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