Freedom Christian Center Bible Studies
Digging Deep into the Word of God
The Book of Malachi – August 13, 2024

Background
Malachi is one of the Prophetic books of the Bible. Malachi is the last of the prophets and the bridge between the Old Testament and New Testament, looking forward to John the Baptist and the Lord Jesus Christ. Malachi wrote after the Temple and the Walls were rebuilt. Even though Malachi wrote his prophecy later than Haggai and Zechariah, their messages called the post-exilic Jews back to their covenantal relationship with God. Haggai and Zechariah rebuked and encouraged the people to rebuild the Temple. Malachi rebuked them for neglecting the Temple of God and their profane worship. Malachi sought to stir unfaithful Jews by using vivid dialogue, a dialectic style that employed
questions and answers. The issues addressed in Malachi are the same as those in the Book of Nehemiah. The problems addressed include mixed marriages with pagans, unjust financial practices, withholding of tithes from the Lord's house, and general spiritual apathy. Malachi ministered in support of Nehemiah's ministry. Malachi records Jehovah's last pleading with his people in the Old Testament period. After Malachi, the prophetic voice became silent for four hundred years until John the Baptist. The Book of Malachi proves that the Old Testament prophecies are God's words, not just historical accounts.

Authorship
The author of the book is Malachi. The meaning of his name is My Messenger or Messenger of Jehovah. Nothing is known about Malachi's background and personal life except his book. The message to be conveyed was more important than the messenger. The prophecy originated from Jerusalem.

Central Message
To rebuke the people and priests and call for true repentance. To promise future blessings.

Theme
God's love for Israel despite the sins of the priests and the people.