Background Information
Malachi was the final book of the Old Testament in the Bible. According to Jewish tradition, it was written by the prophet Malachi, who lived during the fifth century BC as part of the Second Temple period. The book is comprised of four chapters which tie into the preceding books of the Bible and mostly uses apocalyptic imagery in its descriptions. Malachi was intended to warn of judgment and to call for repentance for God’s people, the Israelites.
Overview of Malachi’s Message
Within the four chapters of Malachi, the prophet delivers two main messages to the Israelites. The first message is a condemnation of Israelite corruption, particularly concerning how they were worshipping and how they were treating the priests of their time. The second message was that Yahweh had not forsaken his people and would be sending them himself to punish the wicked.
Malachi’s Condemnation of Israelite Corruptions
Throughout Malachi’s four chapters, he delivers a harsh rebuke to the people of Israel for their corrupt practices and for not living up to their covenant relationship with Yahweh.
In Malachi 1:7-8, Malachi specifically accuses the Israelites of making improper sacrifices to God and not giving offerings from their best animals. He strongly condemns their attitude, reminding them of how they were taken out of Egypt and how God had previously promised them health, peace, and flourishing if they kept his commandments.
In Malachi 2:17, Malachi recounts how many Israelites had turned their backs on Yahweh and had begun to follow other gods. He condemns the people, reminding them of how they were all connected to each other through God.
Malachi also accuses the Israelite priests of corrupting Yahweh’s temple worship by accepting bribes and allowing false teaching to spread, going as far as to accuse them of shedding innocent blood and turning aside from God’s commands in Malachi 3:5. In the same chapter, Malachi says that the priests had robbed both God and his people of their proper dues, whether those dues were tithes, offerings, or taxes.
Malachi’s Promise of the Coming of the Lord
Malachi also spoke of hope, that the Lord would come and make all wrongs right. He warns the Israelites to prepare for the coming of the Lord and to repent for their sins in Malachi 3:1-4. Malachi also says that once the Lord has come, evil-doers will be unqualified to partake in the Lord’s prosperity, but the righteous will be rewarded and the Lord’s covenant with his people will be renewed in Malachi 3:16-17.
What Malachi May Mean to Us Today
Though Malachi was written to the Israelites of the fifth century BC, his words still hold relevance to us today. His warnings against corruption and injustice can still speak to people today, who are often guilty of turning their backs on Yahweh and also of forgetting to keep their promises to Him.
Malachi also speaks of hope to all believers, appointing God, who is loving and faithful, to be our judge. He promises that God will reward those who are faithful to him, and those who are not, will be made accountable.
The Value of Malachi’s Message
The main value of Malachi is his reminder to us to turn away from our corrupt ways and instead pursue a life of righteousness and justice. Malachi’s warnings can also encourage us to repent for our sins, and to remember the covenant we have with our Lord.
Malachi also reminds us of the coming judgment day, a reminder that we must all be prepared. Despite this, Malachi’s message is one of hope, of God’s faithfulness and kindness, His justice and mercy.
The Authority of Malachi’s Message
The four chapters of Malachi can be seen as an authoritative reminder of the need for justice, righteousness and faithful stewardship. Malachi warns his listeners of the consequences of turning away from God, while also providing a promise of hope that the Lord will come and make all wrongs right. A modern reminder of the power of Malachi’s message can be seen in the Christian doctrine of high moral standards and accepting personal responsibility for our actions.
Warnings Against Materialism and Apostasy
Malachi also warns against materialism, calling for the people to remain devoted to the Lord and not fall into the trap of worshipping false gods or worshipping money. For example, in Malachi 3:10-11, Malachi reminds his listeners that tithing is an act of faith, and that those who feel too rich to give will eventually fall away from the Lord.
Malachi takes a condemning view of apostasy, warning those who have turned away from God that they will be held accountable on the day of judgment. He also promises the Israelites joy and rewards if they forsake their idolatry and remain true to their covenant with Yahweh.
An Encouragement to Remain Faithful
Malachi’s message is a reminder to remain faithful and devoted to God, even in the face of great temptation. He encourages the people to turn away from the false gods and instead worship the one true God. Malachi also reassures his listeners that God remains faithful even when they have turned away, and that he will make all wrongs right in the end.
Malachi was a prophet in a difficult time, but he spoke a powerful message of hope and encouragement. He serves as a reminder that our Lord is faithful and just, and that his promises will be kept. Malachi was the last book of the Old Testament and his message of hope remains with us still today.
