Introduction to the prophet Malachi
The 39th book of the Bible and the conclusion of the Old Testament in 3 chapters
God’s last prophet in the Old Testament — a final voice before the long silence
The name Malachi means “My Messenger” or “Messenger of the LORD.”
A hundred years had already passed since the first Israelites had returned from the Babylonian exile when Malachi was called to be a prophet in the last third of the 4th century B.C.
The Second Temple had also long since been completed, and the last turning of the people to God—which had persisted after Ezra and then Nehemiah had rectified the abuses—had faded away.
Nevertheless, the prophet’s rebuke begins with a declaration of love for his people, who, however, show Him no gratitude.
This is followed by God’s rebuke and accusations against the religious Jews and especially the priests.
The hypocrites who, through their actions, show contempt for Him, the Almighty.
Outwardly, everything maintains the appearance of order; the religious festivals can be observed, and the priestly service and sacrificial ceremonies can be performed regularly.
But within the people of Israel, social and religious abuses are spreading more and more, and God’s law is being shamelessly disregarded.
This is followed by prophetic visions of the future; Malachi reports on events from the New Testament up to the coming Day of Judgment — the “Day” of the Lord.
Malachi calls the people of Israel to repentance one last time: “Fear of God” — that is, respect and obedience toward Him and His Word — is always followed by blessing, but disobedience and selfishness must be followed by judgment!
For the people of Israel, a long silence now follows — complete silence from God — everything has been said regarding this covenant based on the commandments of Moses.
Until, nearly half a millennium later, John the Baptist and Jesus, the Christ Himself, appear!
All of Malachi’s prophecies concerning the first coming of Jesus have long since been fulfilled — and have laid the foundation for our faith!
Only the Jews, who reject Him as the Messiah, continue to pray and wait for Him to this day—or at least for another prophet, a messenger of God.
I think, however, that this last of the “minor prophets” from the covenant God made with the people of Israel should remind us—at least everyone who calls themselves a Christian—above all of the second coming of Christ and its significance.
And that all piety, all sacrifices, all deeds that do not come from a joyful, honest, and grateful heart—are worth nothing before God.
But also that a return to God and HIS Word is possible for every person as long as they live—
and our loving Creator is waiting only for our repentance toward HIM!