The Basics: A Brief Overview of Malachi

The Basics course is designed to help brothers and sisters in Christ, who have a desire for a brief study over each of the books of the Bible. While being more than just a timeline, it is designed to give a person a more realistic overview of the entire Bible. As well as pointing out different highlights along the way. Imagine riding in a car and seeing exit signs for a town. Each sign gives a brief glimpse of what is inside, while if you wanted to thoroughly investigate the town you would have to take the exit. This series is a collected work of the books of the Bible while continuing to drive past each of the exits. I would encourage you to take any exit and allow the Lord God to direct your path to where He would guide.

The Bible is written in 66 different books. Each one is unique on its own but designed to be with its other collected works.

Cautionary Note: This work is not to argue for the authenticity of the Bible nor is it to argue over the mechanics of how God used man to write His Words. This is designed as an overview for someone to review the book in passing. Nevertheless, we here at Mill House Ministries believe that the Bible is without error and was written by God, through His divine attributes, through man.

These overviews are sequenced in the below fashion. Each overview is designed to flow in unison.

1.) Introduction

2.) Who wrote it

3.) When did they write it

4.) Key topics

5.) Key sections

6.) Books that interact with each other

7.) Analysis of the Book

As previously stated, if you find yourself drawn to one of these books, please take the time and see what God is wanting to show you in that book.

BASICS COURSE:

Malachi

INTRODUCTION:

Malachi, is a unique inside look at God’s reaction to Israel’s sin. Here we can see God disheartened by the faithlessness and wickedness of His people. But it is here we see a righteous answer and a revelation of God’s character.

WHO WROTE IT:

In his statement below, John MacArthur argues for the accuracy of who is the writer of the book of Malachi.

“Some have suggested that the book was written anonymously, noting that the name, meaning “my messenger” or “the LORD’s messenger,” could be a title rather than a proper name. It is pointed out that the name occurs nowhere else in the OT, nor is any background material provided about the author. However, since all other prophetic books have historically identified their author in the introductory heading, this suggests that Malachi was indeed the name of the last OT writing prophet in Israel. Jewish tradition identifies him as a member of the Great Synagogue that collected and preserved the Scriptures.”[1]

WHEN DID THEY WRITE IT:

The Blue Letter Bible site helps identify when the book of Malachi was written.

“Looking solely at internal evidence, the date of the prophecy points to the late fifth century B.C., most likely during Nehemiah’s return to Persia ca. 433–424 B.C. (Nehemiah 5:14; 13:6) Sacrifices were being made at the second temple (Malachi 1:7-10; 3:8) which was finished in 516 B.C. (Ezra 6:13-1). Many years had passed since then as the priests had increasingly become complacent and corrupt (Malachi 1:6-2:9). Malachi’s reference to “governor” (Malachi 1:8) speaks of the time of Persian dominance in Judah when Nehemiah was revisiting Persia (Nehemiah 13:6), while his emphasis on the law (Malachi 4:4) coincides with a similar focus by Ezra and Nehemiah (Ezra 7:14, 25, 26; Nehemiah 8:18). They shared other concerns as well, such as marriages to foreign wives (Malachi 2:11-15; Ezra 9, 10; Nehemiah 13:23-27), withholding of tithes (Malachi 3:8-10, Nehemiah 13:10-14), and social injustice (Malachi 3:5; Nehemiah 5:1-13). Nehemiah came to Jerusalem in 445 B.C. to rebuild the wall, and returned to Persia in 433 B.C. He later returned to Israel (ca. 424 B.C.) to deal with the sins Malachi described (Nehemiah 13:6). So it is likely that Malachi was written during the period of Nehemiah’s absence, almost a century after Haggai and Zechariah began to prophesy.[2]

KEY TOPICS:

The Temple is rebuilt but the people’s heart has drifted away. God reveals Israel’s unfaithfulness, but emphasizes His own faithfulness to continue to help.

KEY SECTIONS:

The book can easily be read in a sitting and is designed to be understood as one particular argument by the Lord against the people. While one argument God does reveal judgement and promises to the nation of His redemptive work, the book also promises Jesus Christ, first coming and second.  

BOOKS THAT INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER:

Malachi connects with the gospels, Revelation, and other minor prophets.

ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK:

While some might consider Malachi to be a simple book, it has deep meaning and revelation into the heart of God. This book shows His ever faithfulness to Israel, but also us when we fail and sin. God reveals His genuine nature to keep His promises and help sustain His receptive work for us. Malachi provides a detailed look at what was going on in Israel at the time, but also the necessary tools for us to self examine and see if we are living a life of religion or do we have a real and vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. Malachi reveals the first coming and second coming of Jesus Christ. Malachi helps provide the necessary frame work to reveal how God will one day rule in Jerusalem for 1,000 years and the nations will come to worship Him. Malachi reveals that the Jewish people are not forgotten by the Lord but are in a state of momentary pause. God is a God that does not change, thus He will continue to keep His promises and restore us who do not deserve His work. Malachi is a wonderful book to help you and I understand how much God’s love continues when we are failing to be what we have been called to be. It is a perfect ending of the Old Testament; and foundation for the coming gospels, amazing miracles, and acts of Jesus Christ. Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament because it shouts that God is going to have to do the work that we cannot do ourselves. If I could give an example, I would say Malachi is like being in a move theater and the lights are going dim, the movie is about to start; Malachi is the lights going dim for the coming New Testament. You can’t enjoy the movie without the simple act of the lights going dim, thus Malachi is a simple book preparing for the what is coming.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

[1] https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/macarthur_john/bible-introductions/malachi-intro.cfm

[2] https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/macarthur_john/bible-introductions/malachi-intro.cfm