An Introduction to the Book of Malachi

The Prophet Malachi wrote this book in Jerusalem after the Jews returned
from Babylon.
He proved to be a fearless spokesman for Jehovah.
Malachi completed writing his prophecy sometime after 443 B.C.E., many
years after Haggai and Zechariah wrote their books, but about the same
time Nehemiah wrote his book.
About a century had passed since the first Jewish exiles returned to
Jerusalem. The temple had been rebuilt and the rebuilding of Jerusalem's
walls was completed, but the nation still needed spiritual guidance.
The book of Malachi has four chapters.
In chapters 1 & 2 Jehovah denounces the priests for their corrupt
practices. Jehovah calls them to account because they are offering him
inferior animals for sacrifice. The priests have been negligent in teaching
the people, who are unjustly divorcing their wives, and marrying new
wives from pagan nations, something that Jehovah hates.
Chapter 3 indicates there would be a forerunner to the Messiah. The
Messiah or “messenger of the covenant” will come to the temple to
cleanse it. Jesus did this when he threw greedy merchants out of the
temple.
Did you know? Malachi mentions Elijah the Prophet; however, Elijah had
been long dead by the time Malachi wrote his prophecy. Jesus identified
John the Baptizer as the Elijah that Malachi foresaw.
In chapter 4 Malachi makes a prophetic reference to the “son of
righteousness” which highlights Jesus’ role as mankind's Savior.
As you read the book of Malachi notice how Jehovah expects us to give
him our best; how Jehovah hates unjust divorce; and how the “messenger
of the covenant”, the foretold king of God's Kingdom, supports true
worship.

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