by Alexis Faubel [DCXA at AU]
Malachi served as a prophet from around 430 BC. He was the last Old Testament prophet, and was one of the post-exilic (post exile) prophets to Judah - the southern kingdom of Israel divided after King Solomon’s death. Malachi’s role was to confront the people of Judah in Jerusalem with their sins, and to help restore their relationship with God.
Malachi confronted the people because of their neglect of the temple, and their false worship. He wrote this account with questions dramatically asked by God and His people, showing us that literary styles add to our overall experience, and help our understanding of different books of The Bible.
The main themes of this book can be divided between: God’s Love - even when His people ignore or disobey Him. The sin of the priests - they knew what God required, but their service was insincere and their sacrifices unworthy. The sin of the people - they had not learned the lesson of the Exile, or listened to the prophets because pride hardened their hearts. And the faithful few/ The Lord’s coming - The Messiah will come, and on that day it will be a day of comfort and healing for a faithful few.
Malachi fits in the larger narrative of the Bible giving us a testament of Israel’s unfaithfulness (and our own) that clearly shows the people to be worthy of punishment. However, throughout this message is hope - the possibility of forgiveness through the promise of the Messiah.
A key verse in Malachi is, “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace… But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.” (Malachi 4:1-2) This verse reminds us that there will be a day of judgment, but for those who choose to faithfully follow Him, the sun (Son) will provide healing, and freedom, and satisfaction.