Malachi- Introduction

Additional Details

• Author: Malachi
• Audience: The people of Judah living in Jerusalem
• Original Hebrew Name: מלאכי
• Translated Greek Name: Μαλαχίας
• Common English Name: Malachi
• Transliteration: Malakhy
• Meaning: My angel
• Date Created: c 430 BCE
• Content Reference Time: c 430 BCE and future
• Key Individuals:
  • Malachi
  • The Levitical priests
• Key Themes:
  • The priests and their sin (Malachi 1:1-2:9)
  • The masses and their sin (Malachi 2:10-3:15)
  • The few who remain faithful (Malachi 3:16-4:6)
• Date Canonized: c 499-100 BCE
• Abstract:

  The book of Malachi concludes the historical and prophetic message of the latter prophets of Israel.  Although the nation had briefly turned back to G-d during the time of Zechariah, Judah had once again strayed after the messianic age they anticipated had not materialized.  The widespread divorce between husbands and wives reflected the growing divorce in the hearts of the nation between themselves and G-d.  Malachi calls for a revival within the country, primarily focusing on the priesthood (which had grown corrupt) and the widespread injustice and increasing coldness towards G-d.  Malachi's appeal to choose G-d's path of righteousness, even when we don't feel like it, reflects the Lord's heart of faithfulness and His desire for His people to remain faithful to Him.

• Location Created: Jerusalem
• Content Location: Jerusalem
• Teaches:
  • G-d's love for us is great.
  • The priests of Malachi's day were corrupt and sinful.
  • Many people in Malachi's day were sinful.
  • G-d's love leads Him to send the Messiah for us.
• Chapters: 4
• Verses: 55