The Old Testament's last word: a tired people, a patient God, and a promise to be continued.
Malachi opens with God's declaration of love for Israel, contrasted with His judgment against Esau/Edom. The prophet then confronts the priests for offering blind, lame, and sick animals on the altar—sacrifices they would never dare present to their governor. God declares that His name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun.
Malachi prophesied in the post-exilic period, likely around 460-430 BC, after the temple had been rebuilt but spiritual complacency had set in. The abuses he addresses parallel those Nehemiah confronted upon his return to Jerusalem (Nehemiah 13). The name 'Malachi' means 'my messenger,' and some scholars consider it a title rather than a personal name.
All 18 verses of Malachi have a page of their own — what the verse means, who is speaking, and where it sits in the story. Tap any verse number inside a chapter to open it.
Tap any verse in BibleKey for its meaning and background, or any word for its Hebrew or Greek root — without leaving the page.
BibleKey explains what you're reading, as you read it. Free on iPhone and iPad.
Download on the App StoreFree on iPhone & iPad