Biblical Malachi

The Book of Malachi
Chapter 1

Biblical Malachi Study Asking Who is Malachi
The Prophet Malachi in the Bible Quest

A pleasure to have you here at Daily Bread for our study of the last book of the Old Testament. Malachi, the last of the twelve minor prophets, prophesied in the same general time frame as the days of Nehemiah. He directs his message of judgment to Israel, a people plagued with corrupt priests, wicked practices, and a false sense of security in their privileged relationship with God. Using the question-and-answer method, Malachi probes deeply into their problems of hypocrisy, infidelity, mixed marriages, divorce, false worship, and arrogance.

So sinful has the nation become, that God's words to the people no longer have any impact. For four hundred years after Malachi's ringing condemnations, God remains silent. Only with the coming of John the Baptist, does God again communicate to His people through a prophet's voice.

The meaning of the name Mal'aki ("My Messenger") is probably a shortened form of Mal'akya, "Messenger of Yahweh," and it is appropriate to the book which speaks of the coming of the "messenger of the covenant" ("messenger" is mentioned three times in 2:7 and 3:1). Malachi gives a fiery ending to his message with Elijah coming before the dreadful day of the Lord.

Biblical Malachi Lesson on Who is Malachi
The Prophet Malachi in the Bible Truth

Let's look at the first several verses together:

This is a very interesting thing. Why, you might be wondering does God hate Esau? You're probably remembering a cute little story from back in Genesis about when Jacob returned to his homeland and Esau met him with a warm embrace and they lived in peace thereafter. And in fact, that did happen, however, the descendants of Esau, weren't so peaceable. There was much animosity between the descendants of Jacob and Esau, and in fact, that animosity lives to this very day.

The descendants of Esau (which today are called Muslim) claim that the Promise that God made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, was supposed to be for Esau, not Jacob, and even though God provided Esau and his descendants with much more land than the Promised Land that Jacob and his descendants inherited, they have a never ending hatred for Israel, and seek holy war (which they call jihad) as their purpose in life.

Biblical Malachi Teaching on Who is Malachi
The Prophet Malachi in the Bible Journey

Now, through the ages, the descendants of Esau have had the hand of God against them many times, yet they still pursue their purpose of annihilating Israel, and as you just read Malachi's warning, they will build up, and I will knock them down.

Although God has a soft spot in His heart for Jacob, He's not pleased about the way that Israel has strayed from Him. To begin with, the priests offer sacrifices that are defiled in God's eyes, and this offends Him greatly.

Biblical Malachi Laws Who is Malachi Answer
The Prophet Malachi in the Bible Rules

As you can see, God is greatly insulted by the carelessness and apathy of the priests in their offerings. Malachi explains, that they've brought this on themselves and pleads with them to beg the Lord's forgiveness.

Next Malachi explains, people don't even close a door without a reason, yet your offerings are worth nothing if you care so little, that you offer the Lord unworthy gifts, (remember Cain's offering?) so you shouldn't bother.

Biblical Malachi- Who is Malachi Prophecy
The Prophet Malachi in the Bible Path

Malachi doesn't hesitate to tell them God's message that His name will be honored among the Gentiles. Don't forget, the Gentiles were despised by the people of Israel. It was by God's command that they were deported out of their homelands during the Conquest of Canaan many years before because they were "heathen" nations, who did not practice righteousness, yet here it is many many years later, and this prophet, whom God is speaking through, is telling them that the Gentiles will honor Him. This was not only in hopes of getting their attention and to point out their wrongdoings, but it was also Truth ... Prophecy! (Isaiah 66:19)

Throughout the Old Testament you've read that the Gentiles would have their time with God, and Malachi prophesies the same thing. He continues to describe the Lord's disgust with the way the Israelites have disregarded Him.

Biblical Malachi - Who is Malachi Conclusion
The Prophet Malachi in the Bible Summary

Wowie, Kazowie! Has God got their number or what?! We should all remember God's Word through Malachi, when we tithe, or give to a food drive or toy drive, because these are all offerings. Our Father can see when we give things that are expired, while the fresh goods remain for ourselves. He can see when we offer Him the blemished instead of the first fruits.

Who is Malachi? The proclaimer of a powerful message from God, that's who. Praise God for the Word of God, that we can pick up our Bible and remind us every day, when we stray from righteousness, even a little bit, and get back on track!

Can't wait to share more prophecy from the prophet Malachi with you, so hurry back soon and we'll study it together, right here at Daily Bread.