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).
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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.
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“Malachi 1:2-3” 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 1:6—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.
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“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 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.
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“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 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.
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“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 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.
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“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.
