Malachi: Repent and Return
Lessons From Malachi
- Many offer to the LORD only what is convenient
- Outward form is of no value unless it is motivated by inward obedience
- Elders will be blessed by the LORD only as they fulfill their God given responsibility
- Marriage is not only a covenant with our spouses but with God
- To rob a fellow man is a sin, to rob God is unthinkable
- When Christians minimize the importance of "purposing" and giving "bountifully" we too become guilty of sin
Purpose:
To confront the people with their sins and to restore their relationship with God Author: Malachi Original Audience: The people in Jerusalem Date Written: Approximately 430 B.C. |
Setting:
Malachi, Haggai, and Zechariah were postexilic prophets to Judah (the southern kingdom). Haggai and Zechariah rebuked the people for their failure to rebuild the Temple. Malachi confronted them with their neglect of the Temple and their false and profane worship. |
Key Verses:
Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace... But for you who revere My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall" (4:1, 2). |
Key People:
Malachi, the priests Key Places: Jerusalem, the Temple |
Key Themes:
God's Love, The Sin of the Priests, The Sin of the People, The Lord's Coming Special Features: Malachi's literary style employs a dramatic use of questions asked by God and His people. |
ResourcesCommentaries
Blogs
Bible Studies
For Kids
|
"The book of Malachi serves as a fitting close to God's ancient revelation to His people. A final appeal is made to the people to purge out the wickedness found among them and to render to Jehovah an acceptable service. A final warning is given of inevitable judgment upon the wicked. And a final promise is made of Jehovah's righteousness to be provided in Him who would be the personal bond of unity between Jehovah and His people. There was no more that Jehovah could say or do; therefore no word was heard from Him until the silence was broken by the messenger who would introduce the Messiah. This messenger's call to repent was followed by the words of grace spoken by Him in whom God was dong His work and revealing Himself and His will." (Hailey, pg. 426) |