Malachi
was given an oracle by the Lord (1:1).
The name Malachi means army messenger’s and some have said that Malachi
was an angel. There is not any evidence in favor of that view. It would
actually contradict the biblical teaching that only men teach God’s truth.
Malachi prophesied between 432-425 B.C. The book was written to bring God’s
people back to fellowship and service.
The book of Malachi asks God seven
questions. Those questions are: (1) “How
has thou loved us?” (1:2); (2) “How have
we despised thy name?” (1:6); (3) “How
have we polluted it [the altar]?” (1:7);
(4) “How have we wearied him?” (2:17);
(5) “How shall we return?” (3:7);
(6) “How are we robbing thee?” (318);
(7) “How have we spoken against thee?” (3:13). The book would be divided into seven sections
centered around these questions.
The book of Malachi also has several
important lessons for modern man:
1. God
will destroy the wicked (1:4).
2. God
deserves honor (1:6).
3. God
doesn’t approve of vain worship (1:6-7).
4. God
would rather we not worship than worship improperly (1:10).
5. God’s
name is great (1:11).
6. God
only accepts our best worship (1:14).
7. God
created man (2:10).
8. God
expects men to be faithful to their wives (2:14).
9. God
hates divorce (2:16).
10. God
prepares his paths (3:1).
11. God’s
judgment will be swift (3:5).
12. God
does not change (3:6).
13. God
expects people to give generously (3:8).
14. God
blesses those who give generously (3:10).
15. God
will spare from wrath those who serve him (3:17).
16. God
will punish the arrogant and all evildoers (4:1).
The book of Malachi contains many
good lessons. These lessons need to be
preached in the Lord’s church today!