In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He [Jesus Christ -Yeshua] was in the beginning with God.

MALACHI

The Book of Malachi is the twelfth of the twelve books of the Minor Prophets in the Old Testament. The name Malachi comes from the Hebrew word Malaki meaning, “God’s messenger”. He was the last of the Old Testament prophets. Malachi ministered to Judah from c. 465-425 BC. The prophecies of Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi spanned an era from c. 520-425 BC.

Nehemiah had finished leading the people of Judah to complete the walls of Jerusalem after their return from captivity. But their hearts again turned away from God. Everyone including the priests had become callous toward God and His commandments. Their worship was a meaningless ritual and they had robbed God by not tithing and giving offerings. They considered their evil to be Godliness and they divorced their wives without shame. God appealed to them to consider their ways and return to Him for blessings.

God’s people refused to listen. As a result, God would remain silent after Malachi. Malachi prophesied that God would send another messenger who would prepare the way for God to reach His people. This prophet came as John the Baptist more than 400 years later. John prepared the way for Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Christ would come to bring good news to the world and enter into His temple. These prophecies were fulfilled at the first coming of Christ. Malachi also prophesied the end of days when another prophet, Elijah, would prepare the way for the great day of the Lord. Christ would bring a remnant of Israel to repentance and judge all the nations for their evil. The priests of Levi would be purified and the wicked would be consumed by fire.

Malachi 1-3: The sins of the people and the priests; God’s appeal to them for repentance

Malachi 3: God’s promises to those who fear Him

Malachi 4: The coming of Elijah; the great day of the Lord; judgments and rewards