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The Prophecy Of Malachi A Prophet Sent To The Remnant around 432 B.C.

Prophecy Of Malachi When God sent this prophet cannot be absolutely determined Some of what he addresses coincides with conditions recorded in Nehemiah A likely date would be around 432 B.C. Close to 90 years since God sent Haggai and Zechariah

Prophecy Of Malachi When God sent this prophet cannot be absolutely determined A likely date would be around 432 B.C. At least 25 years since the remnant’s 2nd return, led by Ezra The remnant seems to have slipped back into apathy again 1:13 2:1-9 3:8

Prophecy Of Malachi Malachi’s style is unique among the prophets Ù “didactic-dialectic” An assertion (charge) is made An objection is voiced (anticipated) Evidence (proof) is presented 1:2, 6, 7, 12, 13 2:14, 17 3:7, 8, 17

Prophecy Of Malachi The Initial Message 1:1-5 God affirms His love for Israel v. 2a The remnant disputed this v. 2b Perhaps because Zechariahs’ predictions 90 years earlier had not yet materialized 6:11-15 8:1-13, 20-23 This caused them to doubt God’s love

Prophecy Of Malachi The Initial Message 1:1-5 God loved Israel…He hated Esau v. 2c He rejected Esau…both he & Edom had not shown any interest in God, His people Gen 25:27-34 27:41 Heb 12:14-17 Eventually, God judged Edom Obad 3-12 Obadiah prophesied 400+ years earlier

Prophecy Of Malachi The Initial Message 1:1-5 God loved Israel…He hated Esau v. 2c God references Edom’s punishment, as foretold by Obadiah v. 3 By bringing the remnant back from captivity, God had proven He loved them

Prophecy Of Malachi The Initial Message 1:1-5 God loved Israel…He hated Esau v. 2c Edom had no future v. 4 The remnant was starting their future Israel would observe Edom’s fall & know God is magnified among the nations outside Israel v. 5

Prophecy Of Malachi Judging Irreverent Worship 1:6-14 Prophecy directed mainly at the priests God likened Himself to a father…a master A father deserves honor…a master is worthy of respect He was getting neither v. 6a Proof Ù the remnant’s sacrifices v. 7

Prophecy Of Malachi Judging Irreverent Worship 1:6-14 Prophecy directed mainly at the priests The remnant’s sacrifices were a violation of the Law v. 8a Lev 22:18-22 Important principle Ù to show contempt for God’s order of worship is to show contempt for God Himself

Prophecy Of Malachi Judging Irreverent Worship 1:6-14 Prophecy directed mainly at the priests Malachi’s sarcastic exhortation vv. 8b-9 “Offer this to your governor” (Nehemiah) “Would he be pleased with it?” If they knew he would not, why would they ever think God would accept it…doesn’t He deserve much more honor & respect?

Prophecy Of Malachi Judging Irreverent Worship 1:6-14 Prophecy directed mainly at the priests God’s true feelings re: such worship v. 10 “Oh that there was 1 among you who would shut the doors…that you might not offer such useless fire on My altar.” It would be better to offer no worship at all than to offer defiled worship

Prophecy Of Malachi Judging Irreverent Worship 1:6-14 Prophecy directed mainly at the priests God’s desires re: worship vv. 11, 14b He wanted His name to be great Reality from such worship vv. 12-14a The remnant profaned His name Their attitude toward worship was also wrong v. 13

Prophecy Of Malachi Judging Irreverent Worship 1:6-14 Prophecy directed mainly at the priests Present-day application(s) The same “sin” can be present among us If our “sacrifices” are not our best…if our attitude toward worship is similar, why would God be pleased with us? We know He would not

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