The last book in the Old Testament, Malachi, gives readers an important message. Who was the author, and what did he write about? Why did he write the words he did?
Malachi’s message was chosen for a specific time and people. The Israelites had continued to fall into patterns of sin and disobedience. Malachi wants them to know God’s law is still in effect and so is his powerful hand. Let’s take a closer look into this short, but vital, book and how its words can guide us today.
Malachi was mostly an anonymous contributor to the Bible. There’s debate over whether the author’s given name was Malachi or if the writer is simply going by the Hebrew term for “my messenger.”
Bible names hold significant meaning. People were named after their qualities or occupation. Whether Malachi is his birth name or a pseudonym, we can be confident that this prophet was indeed a messenger. Not only did he deliver the direct instruction observed in his authored book, but also alluded to the coming Messiah.
Malachi 3:1. “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LordAlmighty.
In Matthew 11:10, Jesus references Malachi’s prophesy, ensuring that the author was indeed a herald of truth. An almost anonymous messenger prepared the way for the most important messenger of all: Jesus Christ.
Malachi addresses readers with a certain format. Theologians call the passages disputations. Since much of the text addresses disobedience to observed laws, the passages begin by stating God’s commands. Then the Israelites question the practice, and the laws are restated. The disputations end with evidence of God’s truth.
The book is written for a community that has fallen away from the ways of the Lord. Malachi encourages the people of Israel to continue following Old Testament law. Reminders about expected practices include worshiping properly, protecting marriage, tithing, and serving God. Additionally, the book wants readers to be hopeful about the coming of the Messiah.
As humans, we’ll inevitably sin. That’s why Jesus came, knowing we could never live up to God’s standards and taking our place on the cross. Sinning is nothing new, beginning with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Man’s inability to reach perfection has continued through the test of time, including the story of the Israelites.
They directly disobeyed God and his commands. It’s one thing to slip up and make mistakes. It’s another to purposely go against God’s law.
God desperately loves his people and wants what is best for them. Laws are put into place for protection. God warned the Israelites he would punish them if they continued with their ill behavior, but they didn’t listen and were taken captive. However, they didn’t stop being loved by their Creator.
Afterward, God offered forgiveness and a fresh start to his people. We hope people learn from past mistakes and make better decisions the next time. Many of the people didn’t. They continued to sin and walk in the ways of their ancestors. Because of this, Malachi writes to the people, warning them of the dangers of their behavior. On the reverse side, he also encourages faithful men and women that the Messiah is coming.
Because of the teachings mentioned in the book, we can infer Malachi was written after the rebuilding of the second temple. A widely accepted date among scholars is around 450 B.C. Christianity.com states “This was after Hebrew exiles had been allowed to return home from captivity in Babylon, and about 65 years (a generation or so) after the temple had been rebuilt in Jerusalem.” The book is also thought to be written in Jerusalem due to the practices referenced in Scripture.
If the Bible was arranged chronically, the book of Malachi would come much earlier. However, God’s Word is instead ordered by literary style and therefore is placed next to the books of other minor prophets. Some believe it is significant that the last book of the Old Testament foreshadows the coming of Christ, documented in the New Testament.
We are messengers.
Malachi was a prophet to the Israelites during his time, and we are messengers to our present world. As followers of Jesus, we are called to spread his truths. We should encourage fellow Christians to follow his ways and spread the Good News of his existence to those who don’t yet know him.
The Book of Malachi ends the Old Testament with the promise of the coming Messiah. As Christians, we are also waiting for Jesus, the return of his second coming. In the New Testament, Jesus makes it possible for his followers to be saved by grace and remain in fellowship with him. As we await his second coming, we anticipate the new heaven and earth and eternal community with him.
Spread hard truths.
Malachi ends with the promise of the Messiah; however, the beginning chapters deliver tough messages. The Israelites were becoming accustomed to their current worlds’ ways. Amid the centuries one thing hasn’t changed: God’s commands aren’t the always most popular.
In a world that continues to stray from God, it’s important to stand in the truth of Christ. Sometimes Biblical beliefs go against popular culture, but the teachings are still relevant. Just like with the Israelites, God wants us to follow his commands for our benefit. We should not only strive to walk with God ourselves but encourage fellow Christians to do the same.
Individual decisions affect the community.
We are not isolated in this world. Our actions impact others. When Malachi warns the Israelites to walk in God’s ways, it’s not only for their own advantage but to benefit the community. In the time of Malachi, men were divorcing their wives for younger women who didn’t walk with God. The choice didn’t only affect the husbands, but also the wives and possible children they left behind.
Our actions also affect our community. When we worship, we connect with God, strengthening our walk with him and our ability to carry out his purposes. When we choose to serve, we help and encourage others. When we choose to tithe, we not only develop discipline with our finances but provide valuable resources to our church and communities. We are interconnected in this world. Let’s choose to make decisions that will help lift each other up.
God is love, but he is also fair and just. Malachi 3:6 emphasizes the unchanging nature of God. He’s given commands since the story of creation, telling Adam and Eve to avoid fruit from the tree of life. These rules were put into place to protect them, but Satan twisted to the truth to deceive Eve, leaving her and Adam with devastating consequences.
This pattern continues throughout the Bible, emphasized in the story of Noah when God rewards his family for following his ways and on the other hand, showing the time of captivity after a period of wrongdoing from the Israelites. Ranging from rebuking sin to blessing devotion, God remains faithful.
The Book of Malachi leaves readers with a powerful message: God is watching and in control. Follow his ways and receive the fruit of his blessings. God doesn’t expect us to be perfect or never make mistakes, but he does want us to follow his teachings. Everything God calls us to do is for our good and the good of others. Let’s choose to bless our world with our choices and actions.
Sources:
Student’s Life Application Bible. New Living Translation. (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1992, 1994, 1997) 894-901.
Photo credit: ©Unsplash/Prisci
Jenna Brooke Carlson is an elementary dual language teacher in the Chicago suburbs. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Word Weavers, she enjoys spending time with other writers and perfecting her craft. Her debut novel, Falling Flat, spreads the message that healing can occur, even after tragedy. Along with writing, she’s pursuing her dreams of creating a community of brave young women, who she can encourage to live out their dreams amid challenges and imperfection. Her days are busy, but she’s determined she can conquer anything with a fuzzy blanket and a hot cup of tea. To find out more about Jenna, visit her website at jennabrookecarlson.com.
This article is part of our People from the Bible Series featuring the most well-known historical names and figures from Scripture. We have compiled these articles to help you study those whom God chose to set before us as examples in His Word. May their lives and walks with God strengthen your faith and encourage your soul.
The Limits of Satan in this World
Story of Noah: 10 Theological Truths
The Prodigal Son Parable
Who Was Melchizedek?
Why Does God Send Angels?