Malachi Survey

Malachi reveals great spiritual apathy.

*The Old Testament closes with the book of Malachi, a book which addresses widespread corruption within the Israelites. The corruption we read in this book reminds us of just how far sin reaches into even those called of God. Mankind is truly lost without the Lord.
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Written after the return of the Jews from Persian captivity, Malachi reveals great spiritual apathy in Israel. Although the walls of Jerusalem are restored and the temple rebuilt, the hearts of the people are dark. The Israelites have forgotten God’s great love for them (Malachi 1:2). The people offer unacceptable sacrifice to the Lord (Malachi 1:6-14). Priests neglect their duty to lead the people in righteousness (Malachi 2:1-9). Marriage among the people is dishonored (Malachi 2:10-16). Israel dishonors the holiness and justice of God (Malachi 2:17). Through their disobedience, the people disrupt the blessing God desires for
them (Malachi 3:6-12).
 
The Lord’s justice will not allow Israel’s sin to continue, and His love woos sinners to return to Him. The nation is reminded of coming judgment, and the people are called to repent. God reveals prophecy of the coming Lord who will condemn sin and purify the righteous (Malachi 3:1-5; 4:1-6).

Author
Malachi was the name of a person who ministered during the time of Nehemiah[1]. He wrote the book which bears his name somewhere around the end of 400 B.C. [2]

Canonicity
The New Testament considers Malachi as an inspired writing. We know this because it quotes the book several times as Scripture (Matthew 11:10; 17:12; Mark 9:11, 12; Luke 1:17; Romans 9:13).
After Malachi’s book, there was a four-hundred-year silence from God. That silence was broken with the arrival of John the Baptist[3].

Outline
I. God’s Undeniable Love (Malachi 1:1-5)
II. Tainted Worship (Malachi 1:6-14)
III. Corruption (Malachi 2:1-16)
IV. Wearying the Lord (Malachi 2:17-3:7)
V. Robbing God (Malachi 3:8-12)
VI. Arrogant Words (Malachi 3:13-15)
VII. The Book of Remembrance (Malachi 3:16-4:6)

[1] (McGee, 1981) 
[2] (Jamieson, 1871)
[3] (MacArthur, 2005)

Helpful Resources for Your Library*
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary: A Commentary, Critical and Explanatory, on the Old and New Testameants.

MacArthu Bible Commentary. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Thru the Bible with J. Vernon Mcgee. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

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