Title: Malachi
Contents
[Old Testament Prophets] - Malachi
Malachi - the last prophet of the Old Testament
1. Personal information
① Malachi means ‘my messenger’ or ‘my angel’.
② Nothing is known about the personal information of the prophet Malachi.
③ The author of the minor prophet Malachi (Malachi 1:1).
2. Historical background
Malachi B.C. He is a prophet who has been active mainly from the 3rd return from the Babylonian captivity in 444 to 430 B.C., which is estimated to be the date of writing his prophetic book. Nehemiah, the governor of Judea, who led the third return of the captivity, thought of it as his first mission after returning to Jerusalem. First, through the reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem, he raised the political status of the theocracy, which began to be rebuilt after the first return of captivity (537 BC) It was also to renew the aspect of the chosen people through the Reformation. At this time, the Prophet Malachi spurred the religious revival movement by focusing on the corruption of the priests, the religious leaders, the maintenance of the tithe and offering rules, and the problem of intermarriage with foreign women.
3. Major Life
before the ministry
birth
Israel's Fall
after work
Priests' accusation of sin and declaration of repentance
444-430 B.C.
Mal 1:6-2:9
Acknowledging the people's crimes and proclaiming repentance
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Mal 2:10-3:15
Malachi written
B.C. c. 430
horse 1:1
death
4. character
① He is a very logical and persuasive advocate (Mal 1:2-5) when he sees that the people of Israel have dispelled the deep distrust of God's love.
② From his prophecies with many exclamations and imperatives such as ‘behold’, ‘remember’ and ‘I command you,’ he has a very passionate and energetic faith (Mal. 1:9; 2:1).
③ A person who has a clear hope for the future life, given that all the people confidently proclaimed the prophecy of the coming of the Messiah at a time when their faith was indolent and morally and religiously corrupt after the rebuilding of the temple (Mal. 4:1-3).
5. Redemption Historical Status
① As the last prophet in the Old Testament, he prophesied that John the Baptist would come before the coming of the Messiah (Mal. 3:1; 4:4-6). The person who ended the Old Testament era and served as a bridge to herald the arrival of the New Testament era.
② The prophet who proclaimed clear confidence and hope for the coming Messiah kingdom to those who were skeptical about the fact that the glorious kingdom of God did not come immediately after the rebuilding of the Second Temple and fell into spiritual indolence (Mal. 4:1-3).
③ Unlike other prophets who emphasized the inner aspect of worship services, the prophet emphasized strict observance of external sacrifices and rituals (Mal 1:6-2:9; 3:7-12).
④ The author of the most apologetic prophecy among the prophetic books of the Old Testament.
6. Evaluation and Lessons Learned
① Many people fell into despair, skepticism, and spiritual indolence when the glorious kingdom of God did not come as the prophets predicted even after a long time passed. As such, humans often show the limit of falling into a deep swamp of despair and distrust as a reaction to hearing and believing the word of God, but if it is not immediately fulfilled. However, Malachi exhorts those who are skeptical in despair to look back on God's providence, love, and grace in the past, and to persevere in hope for the coming of God's kingdom. This is indeed a more appropriate counsel for us, who are easily tempted by worldly desires and lose hope for the kingdom of God today.
② Malachi emphasized zealous and honest observance of ceremonies, not as pretentious formal ceremonies, to the point of exclaiming to the priests and Levites that it was better to shut down the temple door than to offer sacrifices without sincerity (1:6-2:9). ). The worship and offering we offer today is a matter of examining whether the zeal for God, reverence, and obedience are in harmony, and whether it is truly pleasing to God.
7. Key scriptures
“Behold, I will send my messenger, saith the LORD of hosts, and he will prepare the way before me, and the Lord you seek shall come suddenly to his temple, and the messenger of the covenant, whom you long for, will come” (Mal 3: One).