Faith & Reason Nexus

MEANING: “My Messenger”

AUTHOR: Malachi

TIME WRITTEN: Likely between 432 and 425 B.C.

POSITION IN THE BIBLE:

• 39th Book in the Bible
• 39th and final Book in the Old Testament
• 17th and last of the Prophetic Books (Isaiah to Malachi)
• 12th and final of the Minor Prophets (Hosea to Malachi)
• Followed by 27 books

CHAPTERS: 4
VERSES: 55
WORDS: 1,782

OBSERVATIONS ABOUT MALACHI:

• Malachi’s name is mentioned only in the Book of Malachi itself (1:1).
• He was a prophet during the time of Nehemiah, addressing issues like corrupt priests, wicked practices, and a misguided sense of security among the people.
• Malachi employs a question-and-answer format to tackle problems such as hypocrisy, infidelity, mixed marriages, divorce, false worship, and arrogance.
• The people’s sins have rendered God’s messages ineffective.
• The Book of Malachi serves as a precursor to the 400 years of prophetic silence, leading up to the prophetic messages of John the Baptist. Malachi 3:1 foretells the coming of a messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord, which is echoed in Matthew 3:3 and John 1:29.
• The Book concludes with the word “Curse” (3:14), marking a solemn end to the Old Testament.