I imagine many Christians can increase their knowledge of the Minor Prophets. Here’s a survey of the twelfth book of the Minor Prophets: Malachi.
Purpose: We will look at the authorship, purpose, structure and other aspects of the book of Malachi so we would be more familiar with this part of the Bible and yearn to study it for ourselves.
Authorship
- Why it is written by Malachi
- Reason #1 why it is by Malachi: The introduction identifies this is from Malachi: “The oracle of the word of the Lord to Israel through Malachi.” (Malachi 1:1)
- Reason #2 why it is by Malachi: Historic view is that it is Malachi
- According to Jewish Tradition that was recorded in the Talmud: ” The Gemara answers: Since his prophecy is written together with those of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi in one book of the Twelve Prophets, and Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi were the last of the prophets, he is counted with them” (Baba Bathra 14b)[1]
- While historical view can err yet it fits with the biblical data we have seen.
- About Malachi
- The name Malachi means “”My messenger.”[2]
- Malachi is not named anywhere else in the Bible and the book of Malachi says nothing more about him than the mere fact that the Lord spoke through him according to Malachi 1:1.[3]
- Some have believed that “Malachi” is not really a name but an anonymous designation of the person speaking as God’s messenger.[4]
- Further arguing the point that Malachi is not the name is the fact that in Malachi 3:1 also used the phrase “My Messanger” of a future prophet to come.[5]
- But the rest of the prophetic books bear the names of their authors, so there is no reason to think this is not the case here.[6]
- Also for Malachi 3:1 we can understand it as a play on words on the name of the prophet writing the book.[7]
- Malachi is a post-Exilic prophet.
Purpose
- According to Richard Mayhue Malachi is about “disintegration of a nation”[10]
- According to Andrew Hill: “The prophet calls postexile Israel to repentance for the purpose of covenant renewal with Yahweh (1:2-5; 3:7). This will enable the priests and people of God to restore proper temple worship (1:10-14; 3:9-10) and practice social justice within the community (3:5)”[11]
Structure
- Shorter Outline outline[12]
- God’s Pronouncements against Israel (1-3:15)
- God’s Promise to Israel (3:16-4:6)
- Longer outline
- Introduction (1:1)
- God’s Election of Israel (1:2-5)
- The Sacrilege of the Priests (1:6-2:9)
- The Sacrilege of Priestly Service (1:6-14)
- The Sacrilege of the Priestly Message (2:1-9)
- The Rebellion of the People (2:10-16)
- The Disruption of the Covenant (2:10-13)
- The Illustration of the Covenant (2:14-16)
- Resistance to God (2:17– 4:3)
- Resistance through Self-Deceit (2:17– 3:5)
- Resistance through Selfishness (3:6-12)
- Resistance through Self-Sufficiency (3:13-4:3)
- Restoration through God (4:4-6)
Closer look at Malachi
- Possible chiasm[13]
- 1:1 Present Messenger
- 1:2-5 God’s love for Jacob and hatred of Esau
- C. 1:6-14 Blemished offerings
- 2:1-9 Failure of the priesthood
- 2:10-16 An unfaithful people
- D’. 2:17-3:5 Purification of the priesthood
- 2:1-9 Failure of the priesthood
- C’. 3:6-12 Robbing God of offerings
- C. 1:6-14 Blemished offerings
- B’. 3:13-4:3 God’s loves the righteous and hates the wicked
- 1:2-5 God’s love for Jacob and hatred of Esau
- A’. 4:4-6 Future Messenger
- 1:1 Present Messenger
- There’s a quick word about Edom (1:2-5) before focusing on Israel.
- Sins
- Defiled priestly role: 1:6-14.
- Priest not faithful to deliver God’s instruction: 2:7-9.
- Idolatry (presented as spiritual harlotry): 2:10-12.
- Marriage unfaithfulness/divorce: 2:14-16.
- Consequences: Multiple times God mentioned He will curse them: 1:14, 2:2.
- Grace
- God promises that one day God will show up at His temple:
- God says it about Himself: “Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me.” (1:1a)
- Confirmed also with this statement: “And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple” (1:1b)
- Then in Malachi 3:2 the question is brought up of who can endure His coming which is followed by 3:3 with the statement that the coming Lord will purify.
- Before the Lord arrive though God promises to send “My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me.” (1:1a).
- In Malachi 4:5 this one is called “Elijah.”
- In Malachi 4:6a this “Elijah” is described with the following kind of ministry: “He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers…”
- The purpose is then stated: “so that I will not come and smite the land with a curse” (6b)
- God promises that one day God will show up at His temple:
Place of this book in the Canon
- Who is the Messenger who will clear the way? The New Testament identifies who He is.
- Jesus in Matthew 11:10 quotes Malachi 3:1.
- Jesus in Matthew 11:11 says it is John the Baptist.
- Since John the Baptist prepares the Way for Jesus as the Messiah, we can conclude Jesus is the one in Malachi 3:1 in which God Himself will come and also purify according to Malachi 3:3!
- Recall Malachi 4:6b of God stating “I will not come and smite the land with a curse”
- It is true with Christ; His first coming was not to smite the land.
- Instead Christ got smitten and cursed instead: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’” (Galatians 3:13)
[1] Source: https://www.sefaria.org/Bava_Batra.14b.9?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en.
[2] Craig Blaising, “Malachi” in Bible Knowledge Commentary (Colorado Springs, Colorado: Victor ), 1573.
[3] Eugene Merrill, “The Book of Malachi” in The World and the Word: An Introduction to the Old Testament (Nashville, B&H Publishing), Kindle Locations 17126-17127.
[4] Craig Blaising, “Malachi” in Bible Knowledge Commentary (Colorado Springs, Colorado: Victor ), 1573.
[5] Craig Blaising, “Malachi” in Bible Knowledge Commentary (Colorado Springs, Colorado: Victor ), 1573.
[6] Eugene Merrill, “The Book of Malachi” in The World and the Word: An Introduction to the Old Testament (Nashville, B&H Publishing), Kindle Locations 17122-17123.
[7] Craig Blaising, “Malachi” in Bible Knowledge Commentary (Colorado Springs, Colorado: Victor ), 1573.
[8] Eugene Merrill, “The Book of Malachi” in The World and the Word: An Introduction to the Old Testament (Nashville, B&H Publishing), Kindle Locations 17136-17137.
[9] Eugene Merrill, “The Book of Malachi” in The World and the Word: An Introduction to the Old Testament (Nashville, B&H Publishing), Kindle Locations 17138-17139.
[10] Richard Mayhue, Ordination Practicum Syllabus (Sun Valley, California: Self-Published for The Master’s Seminary), 91.
[11]Andrew Hill, “Malachi” in A Survey of the Old Testament (Grand Rapids: Zondervan), 701.
[12] Richard Mayhue, Ordination Practicum Syllabus (Sun Valley, California: Self-Published for The Master’s Seminary), 91.
[13] Modified from https://www.chiasmusxchange.com/large-scale-chiasmus/malachi/ .
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Thanks for this interesting survey of Malachi. These Minor Prophets are amazing to read for their prophecies. I’m going to guess that most church-goers rarely hear the Minor Prophets quoted in sermons EXCEPT for Malachi 3:9-10 that is taken out of its Biblical context and widely used to justify and encourage tithing.
If I had a quarter for every time a prosperity gospel preacher misinterpret that Bible verse, I’d be able to have my own personal private jet too…also doesn’t Malachi 1:6-2:9 stand out to you with its condemnation of bad priests? Makes me think of how its relevant for today…actually today’s priests’ problems sounds worst than what’s described in Malachi 1:6-2:9 which shows the extent of the depravity of today’s contemporary problems doesn’t it?
Thanks for the really good question about Catholic priests in connection with Malachi 1:6-2:9. Well, I it may seem strange, but I don’t naturally make the connection in my mind between the Levitical priests referred to in this and other OT passages and Catholic priests. While the priests mentioned in Malachi were hypocrites and disingenuous, at least they were ordained by God in their office. The Catholic priesthood on the other hand is a usurpation of the Levitical priesthood, force fitted into a New Testament context. Just by claiming to be sacerdotal priests they defy God. So there are not good priests and bad priests as some Christian friends have argued with my wife and I several times, but all Catholic priests disobey God’s Word and lead souls to damnation by setting themselves up as spiritual mediators and teaching merited salvation. So when I read about the disobedience of Levitical priests in the OT, I don’t usually make the connection to the Catholic priesthood because RC priests are imposters with absolutely no legitimacy. Phew! Where’s the chaise lounge? Sorry, my friend! The reason that I seemed to overreact to your good and well intentioned comments and question is because of this ongoing “good priest, bad priest” discussion we’ve been having with these Christian friends. I know you do not share their viewpoint.
Good point I guess I’m inclined to see the Pharisees having parallels with these priests and didn’t slow down when it comes to priesthood; but you’re right about the differences of the two priesthood. They aren’t the same and the second was never legitimate nor sanctioned to begin with. But I do see some of passages on Pharisees have implications towards Rome’s present priesthood which I think you probably some implications towards them such as holding to traditions, self-justification., etc., right?
Some of it may be due to my own quirky thinking, but, yes, I readily make the connection between the RCC priests and prelates and the Pharisees. Yup, the “sacred” traditions, ritualism, self-justification, seeking after worldly honor, etc., all the same. Thanks for accommodating my exasperation with those friends who argue for “good priests, bad priests.” 🙂
There’s so much content in a relatively small book. This is a blessing.
Thanks and you can follow if you like
It looks like a food and Christian blog!
Yes it is do you believe in GOD
It would be great if you follow
Excellent lesson. Ty.
So many Messianic Prophesies in the minor prophets. It fascinates me that the people first hearing them didn’t know what they meant and those after the Birth of Christ had it revealed to them by The Holy Spirit Himself.
We are fortunate to live on the other side of the Cross, where Christ and His prophecies in the Old Testament can be seen clearly in hindsight. I’m grateful for that and I imagine you are too…
Amen!
Interesting study of the book of Malachi. Every time I see Malachi I think curses and tithes.
Thank you
Malachi definitely is known for the verses that mentioned them. I still prayed for the Friday evangelism team, if you can let those who went know that…
Thank you for your prayers. I will let them know. Have a blessed Lord’s Day
Thanks for taking the time here to share such in-depth studies. Nice🙂
Great insight!
[…] Survey of the Book of Malachi […]
Incredible the Scripture not only predicted the Messiah but also predicted about the Messenger preparing the way for John the Baptist
I found this outline a year ago and couldn’t find it and I’m glad I found it again!
It’s IMPORTANT to study every book in the BIBLE in context and not read 👀our society view into it. Let me give one example. The BIBLE📙didnt SAY🗣 submit to your BOYFRIEND🤔it said HUSBAND👫‼💯 #Message