THOUGHTS ON MALACHI

Malachi is the final book of the Old Testament. The word Malachi means “my messenger” and some have taken it as a title, not a name. They regard the author of this book as anonymous. However, since none of the prophets compositions are not anonymous works in the Old Testament, we can safely understand it as the name of the prophet. Malachi lived up to his name, being a messenger of God. The problem that Malachi faced was that of dull spirits, despondency, and indifference in the worship and life of God’s people. It was a time of doubt and compromise. The priesthood lacked integrity. Intermarriage was common. There was a danger of intermixing faith and paganism, producing neglect of devotion in the people of God. The prophet speaks to his time. The book is made up of six oracles, with a brief introduction (1:1) and a conclusion (4:4-6). The six oracles are:

1:2-5                God’s love

1:6-2:9             Unfaithful priest

2:10-16            Divorce          

2:27-3:5           Divine justice

3:6-12              Tithes

3:13-4:3           Day of judgment

There is no question we can learn from Malachi. He speaks truth that is timeless. There is a great parallel between his time and ours. E. Ray Clendenen observes: “Malachi speaks to the hearts of a troubled people whose circumstances of financial insecurity, religious skepticism, and personal disappointments are similar to those God’s people often experience or encounter today.” [NAC: HAGGAI-MALACHI, 238.]  As I look at these oracles, I see six issues we all face.

1:2-5                Complacency

1:6-2:9             Integrity

2:10-16            Unfaithfulness

2:27-3:5           Injustice

3:6-12              Selfishness

3:13-4:3           Accountability

I challenge you to read Malachi. How does he speak to you on these issues?