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Introduction to Malachi

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of Malachi

  1. The word of Yahweh comes to Israel (1:1)
  2. Yahweh loves Israel and rejects Esau (Edom) (1:2–5)
  3. A message against the priests (1:6–2:9)
  4. A message against Judah: they have broken faith by divorcing and intermarrying (2:10–16)
  5. A message about the day of refining (2:17–3:6)
  6. A message about tithing (3:7–12)
  7. A message about those who others treated shamefully, but who were faithful to Yahweh (3:13–18)
  8. Yahweh will punish the wicked and send Elijah before the "great and terrible day of Yahweh" (4:5–6)

What is the Book of Malachi about?

The Book of Malachi is about the prophecies that Malachi spoke to the Jews who had returned from Babylon to Judah. At that time, the Jews were discouraged even though they had finished building a new temple. The wonderful things that previous prophets had promised for Judah had not yet happened. And the Persian Empire still ruled over them. As a result, they no longer were concerned about the law or worshiping Yahweh. Malachi rebuked them for not trusting in Yahweh. But he also promised them that Yahweh would do everything that he promised to do.

How should the title of this book be translated?

This book traditionally has been titled "Malachi" or "The Book of Malachi." Translators may decide to call it "The Book about Malachi" or "The Sayings of Malachi." (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-names)

Who wrote the Book of Malachi?

The prophet Malachi wrote these messages from Yahweh to the Jews. However, since "Malachi" means "my messenger," it is possible that this was a title for this prophet. If so, we do not know his real name.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What was meant by the day of Yahweh?

Malachi spoke about "the day" several times. This is the same as "the day of Yahweh." In the Book of Malachi, this is the time when Yahweh would judge his people. He would remove those who wickedly sin and bless those who trust in him. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/dayofthelord and rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin)