INTRODUCTION TO MALACHI

The first exiles, led by Zerubbabel, returned and built the temple. They were spurred on by the prophets, Zechariah and Haggai (516 B.C.). Then, Ezra came with another group of exiles. He was a Bible teacher, and he strengthened the faith of the struggling returnees.

Then, 13 years later (445 B.C.), the Persian king allowed Nehemiah to return. He rebuilt the walls, instituted reforms to help the poor, and spoke out strongly against mixed marriages. He served as governor. He returned to serve the king of Persia for a time, then came back to Jerusalem. Malachi served his people and proclaimed the word of God around this time. He agreed with and encouraged the policies of Nehemiah.

Malachi's name means, 'my messenger.' He makes use of repetition to emphasize his message. He proclaims God's love. Perhaps some of the returnees were having a hard time adjusting to the hardships of pioneering life in a developing country. They needed to be reassured of God's love. He also warns that the great day of the Lord will surely come.

The Prophet closes this last book of the Old Testament by looking forward to the coming of the Lord and his forerunner, John the Baptist.

1. 'I have loved you' (1-5)

It was hard and discouraging to try to rebuild the land. Suffering made the returned exiles question God's love. Malachi answered their questions. God had showed his love to Israel by choosing them to be his own people. He did not chose the descendants of Esau. Israel indeed suffered: They had been slaves in Egypt; they had been exiled from their homeland; they had lived a hard life in the desert. But God was using all of these things to make them a holy nation and a kingdom of priests. However, the Edomites suffered under the wrath of God; they suffered without meaning or hope.

2. Offer God your best (6-14)

God's people dishonored him by offering to him animals that were crippled or diseased--useless to them. This was not right. Such offerings bring curse, not blessing. However, the prophet looked beyond them to a time when people of all nations would fear and honor his name and worship him (11,14).

Application: Lord, help me to trust your love and to offer to you my heart and my best.
One Word: Bring love and purity to God