The Book Of Malachi
Author	Malachi
Date Written	Between 450 and 400 B.C.
Time Span	About 7 years.
Title	From the book's author: Malachi. This name means "my messenger."
Background	The Temple of God is now complete. The ministries of Haggai and Zechariah are over, but prophecy continues through Malachi and his contemporary, Nehemiah. Once again the nation has fallen into a wide variety of sins: divorce; intermarriage with the heathen; neglect of the Temple and its tithes; ungodly leadership; and indifference. It has been about 100 years since the Jews' return to Jerusalem, and now God's people are discouraged due to the trying times of drought and famine.
Where Written	Jerusalem
To Whom	To all Israelites, but especially to the remnant returning after 70 years in Babylonian captivity.
Content	The prophet Malachi brings a message of judgment upon the people because they have not learned from their past sins. In a dialogue with God, the sins and apathy of the people are rebuked. Malachi is distinguished as being the only prophetic book which ends not in deliverance . . . but judgment. Mankind has made very little progress spiritually through the years, and, thus, the Old Testament ends with the word "curse." However, this word is contained in a promise that Elijah will come to restore the hearts of the fathers. This is fulfilled with the coming of John the Baptist who prepares the way for Jesus Christ, 400 years after Malachi's message.
Themes	Remembering God's past victories will help during our times of need today. Giving to God and His work is a privilege, not a punishment. Try as we may . . . we can never out give the Lord. There is no overlooking the issue of sin. God has a plan that includes all of history.
Key Words	"Tithe"; "Prepare." When the people do not "tithe," they are actually stealing from God what is rightfully His. But the people owe to God more than just their money, they owe their time, talents, and praises as well. Part of Malachi's ministry is to "prepare" the hearts of God's people and the way for John the Baptist, who will then "prepare" the way for the Messiah, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Outline	1: 1-1: 5  God's love for Israel 1:6-1:14  Israel's defiled sacrifices 2 1-2: 9  God's admonition for the priests 2:10-3:15  Israel's sins shown offensive to God 3:16-4:6  Promises and rewards for those who fear God
More	Audio of the Book of Malachi

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