Graphics of Malachi


 First exiles return to JerusalemTemple reconstruction begins  Haggai, Zechariah become prophets Temple completed  Ezra comes to JerusalemNehemiah comes to Jerusalem  Malachi becomes a prophet
 538 B.C.536  520 516 458 445 430




Vital statistics


 Purpose: To confront the people with their sins and to restore their relationship with God
 Author: Malachi
 Original audience: The people in Jerusalem 
 Date written: Approximately 430 B.C.
 Setting: Malachi, Haggai, and Zechariah were postexilic prophets to Judah (the southern kingdom). Haggai and Zechariah rebuked the people for their failure to rebuild the Temple. Malachi confronted them with their neglect of the Temple and their false and profane worship.  
 Key verses: "The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace... But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture" (4:1, 2)
 Key people: Malachi, the priests
 Special features:  Malachi's literary style employs a dramatic use of questions asked by God and his people (for example, 3:7, 8).  






The Rulers and Prophets of Malachi's Time 


465460455450445440435430425420415410405400395390385380375

Artaxerxes I

464                                                                         423

Darius II

423              404

   

Kings of Persia

   
   
                   
      

MALACHI

435?                     415?

     

Malachi and Contemporary Prophets

(Southern Kingdom)

           
      

400 year intertestament period

  
             

Ezra

457

 

Nehemiah

445                                               415

  
      
      
   458 Ezra returns to Israel with exiles            
               
    445 Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem and rebuilds walls in 52 days           
               
               
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Personality Profile: Malachi
1:1 Name means: “My messenger” or “My angel.”
Home: Probably Jerusalem.
Occupation: Prophet in postexilic Jerusalem, possibly during the time of Nehemiah (see Neh. 1:1), as he condemned many of the same sins mentioned by Nehemiah (Mal. 1:6–14; 2:14–16; 3:8–11; compare Neh. 13:7–31).
Best known today as: The last prophet in the Old Testament. Some 400 years of silence come between Malachi and the next messenger of the Lord, John the Baptist (Mal. 3:1; see Mark 1:6).
Word in life study Bible . 1997, c1996 (electronic ed.) (Mal 1.2). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.





The Coming of Christ
Malachi’s Prophecy
Confirmed in the New Testament
As Messenger of the covenant, Christ comes to His temple (3:1). and purifies His people (3:3)
Christ cleanses the temple (John 2:14–17) and sanctifies His people (Heb. 13:12).
His coming brings judgment (4:1).
Those whose names are not in the Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:11–15).
As the Sun of Righteousness, Christ heals His people (4:2).
Christ heals the multitudes, ultimately all sickness will pass away (Matt. 12:15; Rev. 21:4).
His forerunner prepares for the coming of the Lord (3:1; 4:5).
John the Baptist announces Christ (Matt. 11:10–14).
New Geneva study Bible. 1997, c1995 (electronic ed.) (Mal 2.16). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.


Malachi


Served as a prophet to Judah about 430 B.C. He was the last of the Old Testament prophet. 
 
  CLIMATE OF THE TIMES


   The city of Jerusalem and the Temple had been rebuilt for almost a century, but the people had become complacent in their worship of God. 

 
  MAIN MESSAGE


   The people's relationship with God was broken because of their sin, and they would soon be punished But the few who repented would receive God's blessing, highlighted in his promise to send a Messiah.
  

   IMPORTANCE OF MESSAGE

 
  Hypocrisy neglecting God, and careless living have devastating consequences. Serving and worshiping God must be the primary focus of our life, both now and in eternity.
  

   CONTEMPORARY PROPHETS

 
 None


The Blueprint


 
  1) THE SINFUL PRIESTS (1:1-2:9)


  2) THE SINFUL PEOPLE (2:10-3:15)


  3) THE FAITHFUL FEW (3:16-4:6)

   
  Malachi rebuked the people and the priests for neglecting the worship of God and failing to live according to his will. The priests were corrupt; how could they lead the people? They had become stumbling blocks instead of spiritual leaders. The men were divorcing their wives and marrying pagan women; how could they have godly children? Their relationship to God had become inconsequential. If our relationship with God is unimportant, we need to take stock of ourselves by setting aside our sinful habits, putting the Lord first, and giving God our best each day.