Malachi

Book Information

Author

Malachi

Year

Around 450-400 BC

Category

Minor Prophets

Summary

The Book of Malachi addresses the spiritual apathy and moral decline of the Israelites after returning from exile. Through a series of dialogues between God and His people, Malachi highlights issues like insincere worship, corrupt priests, and social injustice. He calls for genuine repentance and faithfulness, emphasizing God's love and justice. The book ends with a promise of a coming messenger, preparing the way for the Lord, reminding readers of the importance of sincerity and commitment in their faith.

Chapters

Malachi 2 - A Warning to Priests and a Call for Faithfulness in Marriage

1. And now, O you priests, this commandment is for you. 2. If you will not hear, and if you will not lay it to heart, to give glory to my name, says the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse on you, and I will curse your blessings: yes, I have cursed them already, because you do not lay it to heart. 3. Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung on your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts; and one shall take you away with it.

Malachi 3 - The Coming Messenger and the Call to Return to God

1. Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the LORD, whom you seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom you delight in: behold, he shall come, says the LORD of hosts. 2. But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appears? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: 3. And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the LORD an offering in righteousness.

Malachi 4 - The Day of the Lord and the Promise of Elijah's Return

1. For, behold, the day comes, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yes, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that comes shall burn them up, says the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. ¶ 2. But to you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and you shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. 3. And you shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, says the LORD of hosts. ¶