INTRODUCTION TO MALACHI 

Malachi’s name means “My Messenger”, or “Messenger of Jehovah”. Little is known of the prophet’s life except what is found in the book. He is the messenger in the closing out of the Old Testament. As the Old Testament opens, symbolizing Christ as the sun in the first page, so it ends as the “Sun of Righteousness”; for Christ is the first and the last. Notice Mal. 3:1 and 4:2. In Malachi is the picture of the closing period of the Old Testament history; the last Hebrew prophesy.

Notice the contrast between “Ye say” with “Thus saith Jehovah of hosts” in the first three chapters. See Mal. 1:2 “I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us?” God loved them in spite of their sins. He is the God of judgment, but before that, He is the God of love. John. 3:16.

Several sins are mentioned: robbing God by failing to respond to His love; dishonoring His name; priests live evil examples; stumbling blocks; and not tithing. Social sins are mentioned: inter-marriage with heathen; divorce; oppression, sorcery and impurity. But a promise is made. Great blessings are poured out, saints become His peculiar treasure. A new day is dawning and the appearance of a spiritual reformer.

The book shows God’s jewels in 3:16-17. Notice also, there is always a remnant. These are His jewels. The book shows the failure of all human ways and tells of the one perfect messenger of the covenant. Here also is the famous question you hear pastors ask, “Will a man rob God?” (3:8). See what God will do in verse 10; “—open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

The Old Testament ends with hearts being turned. It started with hearts being blinded thru Adam and Eve. Man’s heart is blind until it is turned to the light and love of God.

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