Malachi - Introduction

After Zechariah, comes Malachi, the last book in the Old Testament.

It is unknown at what time Malachi prophesied; but, it is certain that Malachi's desire was for the Israelites to renew their covenant relationship with God. A spirit of worldliness prevailed among the Israelites just as it does in our communities today. Malachi pointed out the sins that separated the Israelites from experiencing the blessings of God and he appealed to them to repent (Malachi 3:7).

In chapter 1, Malachi first pleaded with Israel to return in full repentance to the Lord who loved them.

Then, in chapter 2, he appealed to the priests, pointing out their hypocrisy.

And, in chapter 3, he prophesied of both the coming Messiah and John the Baptist probably 400 years before the Christian era:

Behold, I will send My messenger, and he shall prepare the way before Me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come (3:1; Luke 7:27).

Finally, like other prophets before him, Malachi foretold the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord (Malachi 4:5), when all the proud . . . and all that do wickedly will be destroyed.
But unto you that fear (reverence) My Name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings (4:1-2).