Malachi at a Glance

This book records a series of questions and answers in regards to God’s relationship with Israel, a prediction of the future ministries of John the Baptist who would introduce Messiah’s first coming, and of Elijah who will do the same for His second advent.

Bottom Line Introduction

QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS. MORE QUESTIONS ARE ASKED IN THIS OLD TESTAMENT BOOK FOR ITS SIZE THAN ANY OTHER IN THE ENTIRE BIBLE, SOME 25 IN NUMBER. PERHAPS THE MOST FAMOUS QUESTION IS: “WILL A MAN ROB GOD?”

The book, of course, is Malachi, and that question is found in 3:8. Malachi effectively employs the question and answer method to get across his message.

Facts Regarding the Author of this Book

1. Who? Malachi. He was the author of the final Old Testament book.

2. What? The Book of Malachi.

3. When and where? 430 B.C. (?), from Jerusalem.

4. Why? To point out the sins of the returning remnant and to predict the future ministry of both John the Baptist and Elijah the prophet.

5. To whom? The returning Jewish remnant.

Key Events

1. Prediction of John the Baptist's ministry

2. Prediction of Armageddon, and Messiah's second coming

Key Individuals

1. Malachi: final prophet in the Old Testament who predicted the ministry of the first prophet in the New Testament (John the Baptist)

Key Places

1. Edom: nation founded by the descendants of Esau, punished by God for its sin

Unique Features

1. Malachi gives more titles and names for the creator than any other biblical book for its size, some ten in number:

• Father (1:6)

• Master (1:6)

• Lord of Hosts (1:8)

• God (1:9)

• Great King (1:14)

• God of Israel (2:16)

• God of justice (2:17)

• Unchanging God (3:6)

• Sun of righteousness (4:2)

• Refiner of silver (3:3)

2. The book records some of scripture’s harshest words regarding the subject of divorce (2:14-16).

3. It is the only Old Testament book which begins by stating God’s love for His people (1:2)

4. In essence, this book records the following:

• The most famous Old Testament passage on giving (3:8-10)

• The most wonderful diary of all time (3:16)

• The only biblical passage in which believers are called jewels (3:17)

• The only Old Testament book predicting the return of Elijah to minister during the great tribulation (4:5)

Comparison with Other Bible Books

Isaiah:

Both predict the ministry and message of John the Baptist

• As predicted by Isaiah: “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it” (40:3-5).

• As predicted by Malachi: “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me . . (3:1).

Luke:

• Malachi refers to Moses and Elijah in reference to the second coming of Christ (4:4-6).

• Luke refers to Moses and Elijah in reference to the death of Christ (Lk. 9:28-31).

Revelation:

• Malachi is the last Old Testament book; Revelation is the last New Testament book.

• Both books begin by stating God’s love for His people (Mal. 1:2; Rev. 1:5).

• Both books end with a warning (Mal. 4:5, 6; Rev. 22:18, 19).

• Malachi refers to Christ as the Sun of Righteousness (4:2). Revelation refers to Christ as the Bright and Morning Star (Rev. 22:16).

Titles for and Types of Jesus

1. Father and Master of Israel (1:6)

2. The Lord of Hosts (1:8)

3. The Name above All Names (1:11)

4. The Great King (1:14)

5. The God of Israel (2:16)

6. The God of Justice (2:17)

7. “The Lord Whom Ye Seek” (3:1)

8. The Purifier of Israel (3:3)

9. The Son of Righteousness (4:2)