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Brief Summary:
Malachi wrote the words of the Lord to God’s chosen people who had gone astray, especially the priests who had turned from the Lord. Priests were not treating the sacrifices they were to make to God seriously. Animals with blemishes were being sacrificed even though the law demanded animals without defect (Deuteronomy 15:21). The men of Judah were dealing with the wives of their youth treacherously and wondering why God would not accept their sacrifices. Also, people were not tithing as they should have been (Leviticus 27:30, 32). But in spite of the people’s sin and turning away from God, Malachi reiterates God’s love for His people (Malachi 1:1-5) and His promises of a coming Messenger (Malachi 2:17–3:5).
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
The Book of Malachi Summary
Summary of the Book of Malachi – Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org
Context Summary
Malachi 1:1–5 introduces this prophecy as one from Malachi, meaning ”My Messenger.” This passage summarizes the basic spiritual problem facing Israel: apathy. God has shown His love for them, but they don’t recognize it anymore. To show how He has loved them, Malachi points to the destruction of Edom. Israel has suffered, but God has kept them through those struggles. Edom, on the other hand, has been obliterated. God’s chosen people have sinned, but they haven’t been destroyed, which is an act of God’s love and mercy towards them.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Malachi 1:1” Bibleref.com
What does Malachi 1:1 mean? | BibleRef.com
Malachi 1:1
A revelation, Yahweh’s word to Israel by Malachi.
Context Summary
Malachi 1:1–5 introduces this prophecy as one from Malachi, meaning ”My Messenger.” This passage summarizes the basic spiritual problem facing Israel: apathy. God has shown His love for them, but they don’t recognize it anymore. To show how He has loved them, Malachi points to the destruction of Edom. Israel has suffered, but God has kept them through those struggles. Edom, on the other hand, has been obliterated. God’s chosen people have sinned, but they haven’t been destroyed, which is an act of God’s love and mercy towards them.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Malachi 1:2” Bibleref.com
What does Malachi 1:2 mean? | BibleRef.com
Malachi 1:2-3
2 “I have loved you,” says Yahweh. et you say, “How have you loved us?” “Wasn’t Esau Jacob’s brother?” says Yahweh, “Yet I loved Jacob; 3 but Esau I hated, and made his mountains a desolation, and gave his heritage to the jackals of the wilderness.”
Context Summary
Malachi 1:1–5 introduces this prophecy as one from Malachi, meaning ”My Messenger.” This passage summarizes the basic spiritual problem facing Israel: apathy. God has shown His love for them, but they don’t recognize it anymore. To show how He has loved them, Malachi points to the destruction of Edom. Israel has suffered, but God has kept them through those struggles. Edom, on the other hand, has been obliterated. God’s chosen people have sinned, but they haven’t been destroyed, which is an act of God’s love and mercy towards them.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Malachi 1:3” Bibleref.com
What does Malachi 1:3 mean? | BibleRef.com
Malachi 1:3
3 but Esau I hated, and made his mountains a desolation, and gave his heritage to the jackals of the wilderness.”
Context Summary
Malachi 1:6—2:9 is directed specifically at the priests of Israel. Despite having knowledge of the Old Testament Law, they are offering improper sacrifices to God. Instead of following the requirements for pure offerings, they are sacrificing animals so defective that a mere politician would not accept them. This shows their apathy and disrespect towards God. In response, God warns that He will be praised properly, even if it’s by the Gentiles, even if it’s in spite of His own chosen people. This includes a threat to humiliate the priesthood, if they don’t lead the people as they have been instructed.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Malachi 1:6” Bibleref.com
What does Malachi 1:6 mean? | BibleRef.com
Malachi 1:6
6 “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, then where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is the respect due me? Says Yahweh of Armies to you, priests, who despise my name. You say, ‘How have we despised your name?’
Context Summary
Malachi 1:6—2:9 is directed specifically at the priests of Israel. Despite having knowledge of the Old Testament Law, they are offering improper sacrifices to God. Instead of following the requirements for pure offerings, they are sacrificing animals so defective that a mere politician would not accept them. This shows their apathy and disrespect towards God. In response, God warns that He will be praised properly, even if it’s by the Gentiles, even if it’s in spite of His own chosen people. This includes a threat to humiliate the priesthood, if they don’t lead the people as they have been instructed.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Malachi 1:7” Bibleref.com
What does Malachi 1:7 mean? | BibleRef.com
Malachi 1:7
7 You offer polluted bread on my altar. You say, ‘How have we polluted you?’ In that you say, ‘Yahweh’s table is contemptible.’
Context Summary
Malachi 1:6—2:9 is directed specifically at the priests of Israel. Despite having knowledge of the Old Testament Law, they are offering improper sacrifices to God. Instead of following the requirements for pure offerings, they are sacrificing animals so defective that a mere politician would not accept them. This shows their apathy and disrespect towards God. In response, God warns that He will be praised properly, even if it’s by the Gentiles, even if it’s in spite of His own chosen people. This includes a threat to humiliate the priesthood, if they don’t lead the people as they have been instructed.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Malachi 1:8” Bibleref.com
What does Malachi 1:8 mean? | BibleRef.com
Malachi 1:8
8 When you offer the blind for sacrifice, isn’t that evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, isn’t that evil? Present it now to your governor! Will he be pleased with you? Or will he accept your person?” says Yahweh of Armies.
Context Summary
Malachi 1:6—2:9 is directed specifically at the priests of Israel. Despite having knowledge of the Old Testament Law, they are offering improper sacrifices to God. Instead of following the requirements for pure offerings, they are sacrificing animals so defective that a mere politician would not accept them. This shows their apathy and disrespect towards God. In response, God warns that He will be praised properly, even if it’s by the Gentiles, even if it’s in spite of His own chosen people. This includes a threat to humiliate the priesthood, if they don’t lead the people as they have been instructed.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Malachi 2:3” Bibleref.com
What does Malachi 2:3 mean? | BibleRef.com
Malachi 2:3
3 Behold, I will rebuke your offspring,[a] and will spread dung on your faces, even the dung of your feasts; and you will be taken away with it.
Context Summary
Malachi 2:17—3:6 presents a dangerous accusation from Israel against God, and His sobering response. Israel accuses God of letting the wicked prosper and for not enacting enough justice in the world. God’s reply reminds Israel, and us, that the first sin we need to be aware of is our own. God promises to send a messenger, preparing the way for Him. God also predicts the day when He will ”draw near” for judgment. This uses metaphors including fire and powerful cleaning substances. In short, judgment is coming—to everyone.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Malachi 2:17” Bibleref.com
What does Malachi 2:17 mean? | BibleRef.com
Malachi 2:17
17 You have wearied Yahweh with your words. Yet you say, ‘How have we wearied him?’ In that you say, ‘Everyone who does evil is good in Yahweh’s sight, and he delights in them;’ or ‘Where is the God of justice?’
Context Summary
Malachi 3:7–12 is both a reminder and an encouragement to Israel. God’s covenant through Moses included positive promises, in response to obedience. However, it also included negative consequences, in response to defiance. Israel has been ”robbing” God by failing to pay His tithes. Israel’s lack of success, in this case, is partly because of their own disobedience. Even so, God promises to restore Israel’s fortunes if they will be faithful. Though often mis-applied, these requirements and promises are meant only for Israel, not all believers at all times.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Malachi 3:8” Bibleref.com
What does Malachi 3:8 mean? | BibleRef.com
Malachi 3:8
8 Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In tithes and offerings.
Context Summary
Malachi 2:17—3:6 presents a dangerous accusation from Israel against God, and His sobering response. Israel accuses God of letting the wicked prosper and for not enacting enough justice in the world. God’s reply reminds Israel, and us, that the first sin we need to be aware of is our own. God promises to send a messenger, preparing the way for Him. God also predicts the day when He will ”draw near” for judgment. This uses metaphors including fire and powerful cleaning substances. In short, judgment is coming—to everyone.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Malachi 3:1” Bibleref.com
What does Malachi 3:1 mean? | BibleRef.com
Malachi 3:1
“Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me; and the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, behold, he comes!” says Yahweh of Armies.
Context Summary
Malachi 2:17—3:6 presents a dangerous accusation from Israel against God, and His sobering response. Israel accuses God of letting the wicked prosper and for not enacting enough justice in the world. God’s reply reminds Israel, and us, that the first sin we need to be aware of is our own. God promises to send a messenger, preparing the way for Him. God also predicts the day when He will ”draw near” for judgment. This uses metaphors including fire and powerful cleaning substances. In short, judgment is coming—to everyone.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Malachi 3:5” Bibleref.com
What does Malachi 3:5 mean? | BibleRef.com
Malachi 3:5
5 I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against the perjurers, and against those who oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and who deprive the foreigner of justice, and don’t fear me,” says Yahweh of Armies.
Context Summary
Malachi 3:7–12 is both a reminder and an encouragement to Israel. God’s covenant through Moses included positive promises, in response to obedience. However, it also included negative consequences, in response to defiance. Israel has been ”robbing” God by failing to pay His tithes. Israel’s lack of success, in this case, is partly because of their own disobedience. Even so, God promises to restore Israel’s fortunes if they will be faithful. Though often mis-applied, these requirements and promises are meant only for Israel, not all believers at all times.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Malachi 3:7” Bibleref.com
What does Malachi 3:7 mean? | BibleRef.com
Malachi 3:7
7 From the days of your fathers you have turned away from my ordinances, and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says Yahweh of Armies. “But you say, ‘How shall we return?’
Context Summary
Malachi 3:7–12 is both a reminder and an encouragement to Israel. God’s covenant through Moses included positive promises, in response to obedience. However, it also included negative consequences, in response to defiance. Israel has been ”robbing” God by failing to pay His tithes. Israel’s lack of success, in this case, is partly because of their own disobedience. Even so, God promises to restore Israel’s fortunes if they will be faithful. Though often mis-applied, these requirements and promises are meant only for Israel, not all believers at all times.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Malachi 3:10” Bibleref.com
What does Malachi 3:10 mean? | BibleRef.com
Malachi 3:10
10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and test me now in this,” says Yahweh of Armies, “if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there will not be room enough for.
Context Summary
Malachi 3:13—4:3 shows that even as the nation of Israel has been unfaithful, there are individuals among the people who are faithful. At the very least, they are willing to respond to God’s correction. As a result, God promises to protect them from the upcoming wrath. This reckoning is described in dramatic, fiery terms. Part of the purpose of this particular judgment is to distinguish the wicked from the righteous. In this case, those who follow God will be healed and set free. Those who do not will be completely consumed.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Malachi 3:14” Bibleref.com
What does Malachi 3:10 mean? | BibleRef.com
Malachi 3:14
14 You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God;’ and ‘What profit is it that we have followed his instructions, and that we have walked mournfully before Yahweh of Armies?
Context Summary
Malachi 3:13—4:3 shows that even as the nation of Israel has been unfaithful, there are individuals among the people who are faithful. At the very least, they are willing to respond to God’s correction. As a result, God promises to protect them from the upcoming wrath. This reckoning is described in dramatic, fiery terms. Part of the purpose of this particular judgment is to distinguish the wicked from the righteous. In this case, those who follow God will be healed and set free. Those who do not will be completely consumed.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Malachi 3:15” Bibleref.com
What does Malachi 3:15 mean? | BibleRef.com
Malachi 3:15
15 Now we call the proud happy; yes, those who work wickedness are built up; yes, they tempt God, and escape.’
Context Summary
Malachi 3:13—4:3 shows that even as the nation of Israel has been unfaithful, there are individuals among the people who are faithful. At the very least, they are willing to respond to God’s correction. As a result, God promises to protect them from the upcoming wrath. This reckoning is described in dramatic, fiery terms. Part of the purpose of this particular judgment is to distinguish the wicked from the righteous. In this case, those who follow God will be healed and set free. Those who do not will be completely consumed.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Malachi 3:16” Bibleref.com
What does Malachi 3:16 mean? | BibleRef.com
Malachi 3:16
16 Then those who feared Yahweh spoke one with another; and Yahweh listened, and heard, and a book of memory was written before him, for those who feared Yahweh, and who honored his name.
Context Summary
Malachi 3:13—4:3 shows that even as the nation of Israel has been unfaithful, there are individuals among the people who are faithful. At the very least, they are willing to respond to God’s correction. As a result, God promises to protect them from the upcoming wrath. This reckoning is described in dramatic, fiery terms. Part of the purpose of this particular judgment is to distinguish the wicked from the righteous. In this case, those who follow God will be healed and set free. Those who do not will be completely consumed.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Malachi 3:17” Bibleref.com
What does Malachi 3:17 mean? | BibleRef.com
Malachi 3:17
17 They shall be mine,” says Yahweh of Armies, “my own possession in the day that I make, and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son who serves him.
Context Summary
Malachi 3:13—4:3 shows that even as the nation of Israel has been unfaithful, there are individuals among the people who are faithful. At the very least, they are willing to respond to God’s correction. As a result, God promises to protect them from the upcoming wrath. This reckoning is described in dramatic, fiery terms. Part of the purpose of this particular judgment is to distinguish the wicked from the righteous. In this case, those who follow God will be healed and set free. Those who do not will be completely consumed.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Malachi 3:18” Bibleref.com
What does Malachi 3:18 mean? | BibleRef.com
Malachi 3:18
18 Then you shall return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him who serves God and him who doesn’t serve him.
Context Summary
Malachi 3:13—4:3 shows that even as the nation of Israel has been unfaithful, there are individuals among the people who are faithful. At the very least, they are willing to respond to God’s correction. As a result, God promises to protect them from the upcoming wrath. This reckoning is described in dramatic, fiery terms. Part of the purpose of this particular judgment is to distinguish the wicked from the righteous. In this case, those who follow God will be healed and set free. Those who do not will be completely consumed.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Malachi 4:2” Bibleref.com
What does Malachi 4:2 mean? | BibleRef.com
Malachi 4:2
2 But to you who fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in its wings. You will go out, and leap like calves of the stall.
Context Summary
Malachi 4:4–6 is not only the conclusion of this book, but also the end of God’s prophetic voice on earth for the next four centuries. Between the days of Malachi and John the Baptist, God will not send further messengers to Israel. Here, God issues a final call to Israel to follow His will, promises the return of Elijah, and offers one final warning of the judgment to come.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Malachi 4:4” Bibleref.com
What does Malachi 4:4 mean? | BibleRef.com
Malachi 4:4
4 “Remember the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded to him in Horeb for all Israel, even statutes and ordinances.
Context Summary
Malachi 4:4–6 is not only the conclusion of this book, but also the end of God’s prophetic voice on earth for the next four centuries. Between the days of Malachi and John the Baptist, God will not send further messengers to Israel. Here, God issues a final call to Israel to follow His will, promises the return of Elijah, and offers one final warning of the judgment to come.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Malachi 4:5” Bibleref.com
What does Malachi 4:5 mean? | BibleRef.com
Malachi 4:5
5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of Yahweh comes.
Context Summary
Malachi 4:4–6 is not only the conclusion of this book, but also the end of God’s prophetic voice on earth for the next four centuries. Between the days of Malachi and John the Baptist, God will not send further messengers to Israel. Here, God issues a final call to Israel to follow His will, promises the return of Elijah, and offers one final warning of the judgment to come.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Malachi 4:6” Bibleref.com
What does Malachi 4:6 mean? | BibleRef.com
Malachi 4:6
6 He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”