Introduction:
“Malachi “my messenger,” the last of the prophets to the restored remnant after the 70 years’ captivity, probably prophesied in the time of confusion during Nehemiah’s absence (Nehemiah 13:6). The burden of his message is, the love of Jehovah, the sins of the priests and of the people, and the day of the Lord. Malachi, like Zechariah, sees both advents and predicts two forerunners (Christ – Malachi 3:1 and John the Baptist – Malachi 4:5-6). As a whole, Malachi gives the moral judgment of God on the remnant restored by his grace under Ezra and Nehemiah. He had established his house among them, but their worship was formal and insincere.” — Scofield.
The Style is forceful and Peculiar. Jehovah is represented as having a dialogue with his people. “Ye Say” is contrasted with “Thus saith Jehovah of hosts” through the first three chapters.
Theme: A graphic picture of the closing period of Old Testament history, showing that great reforms were needed to prepare the way for the coming Messiah.
Key Text: Malachi 3:8, “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.”
A Brief Summary of the Book:
These are the sins of a dishonest, ungrateful people, and an unfaithful priesthood:
1) Robbing God:
a. By failure to respond to Divine Love, Malachi 1:2.
b. By dishonoring God’s Name, Malachi 1:6.
c. By presenting blemished offerings, Malachi 1:7-8, 13-14.
d. The priests, by evil example, becoming stumblingblocks, instead of spiritual leaders, Malachi 2:1-8.
e. By honoring sinners Malachi 2:17 3:15.
f. By selfishly withholding tithes, Malachi 3:8.
g. By justifying impiety, Malachi 3:14.
2) Social Sins:
a. Treacherous dealing with brethren, Malachi 2:10.
b. Intermarriage with the heathen, Malachi 2:11.
c. Divorcing wives, Malachi 2:14-16.
d. Sorcery, impurity, oppression, Malachi 3:5.
Glorious Promises:
1) Of the coming of the Messenger of the Covenant, Malachi 3:1-4.
2) Of the outpouring of a Great Blessing, Malachi 3:10-12.
3) Of the saints becoming Jehovah’s peculiar Treasure, Malachi 3:16-18.
4) Of the dawning of a New Day in which righteousness shall triumph, Malachi 4:2-3.
5) Of the appearance of a Spiritual Reformer before the Day of the Lord is ushered in, Malachi 4:5-6.