Malachi

The Book of Malachi is the final word of the Old Testament, delivered about 100 years after the ministries of Haggai and Zechariah (c. 450 BC). By this time, the Temple had been rebuilt, but the people were disillusioned. The glorious prophecies of restoration had not fully materialized, leading to spiritual exhaustion and apathy. Malachi addresses this low state of faith by using a unique format: a series of six dialogues where God makes a charge, the people contradict Him, and God responds with proof.

I. Indictment of the Priesthood and the People (Chapters 1–2)

Malachi’s early dialogues expose the people's casual indifference toward God and their covenant obligations.

• The Problem of Love: God begins by stating His love for Israel ("I have loved you," Malachi 1:2), to which the people flippantly respond, "How have you loved us?" God proves His love by reminding them He chose Jacob over Esau (Edom).

• Contempt for God's Name: The deepest sin is found in the priesthood, who were offering blind, sick, and lame animals as sacrifices, dishonoring God's altar. God asks the defining question of the book: “If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear?” (Malachi 1:6).

• Covenant Unfaithfulness: Malachi also condemns the widespread practices of divorce and marrying foreign women, charging that they had broken the covenant of marriage.

II. The Challenge to Righteousness and Giving (Chapter 3)

The most famous challenges and promises in Malachi are found in the third chapter, where the prophet turns the focus to the people's lack of righteousness, particularly in their giving.

• The Coming Messenger: God promises to send a Messenger to prepare the way for the Lord's coming: “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me.” (Malachi 3:1) This prophecy is explicitly identified in the New Testament as John the Baptist (Matthew 11:10).

• Robbing God (Tithing): Malachi directly accuses the people of robbing God by withholding their tithes and offerings. God then issues a direct challenge to their faith:

“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse... and thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” (Malachi 3:10)

God connects their obedience in giving with His promise of material and spiritual blessing, demonstrating that their commitment must cost them something.

III. The Final Word: The Day of the Lord (Chapter 4)

The final chapter serves as the spiritual bridge to the New Testament period. It focuses on the coming Day of the Lord, a time of both judgment and salvation.

• The Fire of Judgment: The prophet warns that the Day of the Lord will be like a burning oven for the proud and evildoers.

• The Sun of Righteousness: But for those who fear God's name, the “sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings” (Malachi 4:2). This is a promise of the Messiah bringing salvation.

• The Prophecy of Elijah: The book concludes with the final Old Testament promise: God will send the prophet Elijah before the great and awesome Day of the Lord to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers (Malachi 4:5–6). This sets the stage for 400 years of silence until John the Baptist appears “in the spirit and power of Elijah.”

Applying the Truth Today

As the final book of the Old Testament, Malachi challenges us to honor God with our best, not our leftovers. It reminds us that God always sees when our hearts are indifferent, even if our outward behavior appears religious. The book assures us that God is faithful to His promises: He sent His messenger (John the Baptist) and the Sun of Righteousness (Jesus Christ) to bring healing and final salvation. Our response must be one of genuine commitment and honor.

Reflection Questions for Your Journey:

1. Honour vs. Indifference. In what area of your life (time, talent, or finances) are you giving God "lame and sick" leftovers instead of offering your best in honor?

2. Testing the Lord. The Lord invites us to "put Him to the test" in tithing. What does the principle behind this challenge—trusting God with your provision—mean for your obedience?

3. The Sun of Righteousness. As the New Testament Christian, how does the promise that the "sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings" change how you approach suffering and sin in your life?

Your Reading Guide

To grasp the heart of the challenge, read God's question about honor in Malachi 1:6–8. Next, read the famous challenge and promise concerning giving in Malachi 3:8–10. Finally, bridge the gap to the New Testament by reading the concluding promise of Elijah and the Sun of Righteousness in Malachi 4:1–6.