Malachi

Malachi

Historical Background and Purpose

The names Malachi means "messenger" in Hebrew.  "[Malachi] is the last book written before the New Testament era.  It was composed sometime after 460 BC - after Israel returned from captivity in Babylon (538 BC), after the temple in Jerusalem had been rebuilt (516 BC), and after worship there had lapsed into mere routine" (according to the introduction to the book of Malachi in the Sourceview Bible).  The people had become complacent and were no longer living lives that brought honor and glory to God.  For example, they offered defiled sacrifices on the altar of God (see Malachi 1:7-8).  They offered animals that were stolen and crippled and sick as sacrifices to God (see Malachi 1:13).  The people who were set apart as God's people were no longer living lives as set apart for God.  His people were no longer living lives that brought honor and glory to God and His name. 

Character and Nature of God

God desires to bring life and peace to His people; therefore, He requires them to have reverence for Him and His name (see Malachi 2:5).  God desires His people to live righteous lives - not sinful lives (see Malachi 2:6-9).  God desires His people to be loyal and faithful.  God hates divorce (see Malachi 2:16).  God desires His people to return to Him so that He may return to them (see Malachi 3:7).  God desires His people to bring Him their tithes and offerings so that He may bless them (see Malachi 3:8-12).  God desires to bless the righteous and punish the unrighteous.  God desires His people to live righteous lives that bring Him honor and glory so that He may bless them and be with them - forever!

God's Redemptive Plan for Mankind

There is a day of judgment coming.  God will separate those who are His from those who are not His.  God will spare those who are His; however, He will punish those who are not His (see Malachi 3:17-18). His people fear His name.  His people will go free and be with Him.  God desires all people to choose to be His people.  God's people will be with God - forever!