This is the burden
The term "burden" often refers to a prophetic message that carries weight and significance. It implies a message of judgment or a call to repentance. In the context of the Old Testament, prophets frequently delivered burdens that addressed the spiritual and moral failings of the people. This indicates the seriousness of the message that follows.

of the word of the LORD
The phrase "word of the LORD" signifies divine revelation. It underscores the authority and origin of the message, emphasizing that it is not from human origin but from God Himself. This is a common expression in prophetic literature, affirming the prophet's role as a mouthpiece for God. It connects to other scriptures where God speaks directly to His people, such as in the books of Isaiah and Jeremiah.

to Israel
"Israel" here refers to the post-exilic community of Jews who returned from Babylonian captivity. This message is directed to the entire nation, encompassing both the northern and southern kingdoms, although historically, the northern kingdom had been dispersed. The use of "Israel" highlights the continuity of God's covenant people despite their past disobedience and exile.

through Malachi
Malachi, whose name means "my messenger," is the last of the twelve minor prophets. His ministry likely took place during the Persian period, after the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Malachi's role as a prophet is to deliver God's message to the people, addressing issues such as priestly corruption, improper worship, and social injustice. His prophecies also contain messianic elements, pointing forward to the coming of John the Baptist and ultimately Jesus Christ, as seen in Malachi 3:1.

1. Malachi
The prophet through whom God delivers His message. The name "Malachi" means "my messenger" in Hebrew, indicating his role as a divine spokesperson.

2. Israel
The nation to whom the message is directed. At this time, Israel refers to the post-exilic Jewish community in Judah, struggling with spiritual apathy and disobedience.

3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature and His relationship with Israel.

4. Oracle
A divine message or burden. The Hebrew word "massa" implies a weighty message that the prophet is compelled to deliver.

5. Post-Exilic Period
The historical context in which Malachi prophesied, after the return from Babylonian exile, when the temple had been rebuilt but spiritual decline was evident.God's Unchanging Word
The message of Malachi underscores the reliability and authority of God's word. Despite changing circumstances, God's word remains a constant guide for His people.

The Role of the Messenger
Malachi's role as a messenger reminds believers of the importance of faithfully delivering God's truth, whether in teaching, evangelism, or daily interactions.

Spiritual Apathy
The context of Malachi challenges believers to examine their own spiritual fervor and commitment to God, avoiding the complacency that plagued Israel.

Covenant Relationship
The reference to "Israel" highlights the covenant relationship between God and His people, encouraging believers to reflect on their own covenant relationship with God through Christ.

The Weight of God's Message
The term "oracle" suggests the seriousness with which we should approach God's word, recognizing its power to convict, correct, and guide.Top 10 Lessons from Malachi 1

Who is the author of the book of Malachi?

Who is the promised messenger in Malachi?

How does Malachi address Israel's faithfulness and God's promises?

What is the Lord's oracle?1-5. These verses are introductory to the whole prophecy. God had shown His love to Israel; Israel ought to have made a proper return, but, on the contrary, Israel had abused God's loving-kindness.

(1) The burden.--See Notes on Isaiah 13:1; Jeremiah 23:33-40; Zechariah 9:1; Zechariah 12:1.

Malachi.--See Introduction.

Verse 1. - § 1. Heading and author. The burden (Zechariah 9:1; Zechariah 12:1; see note on Nahum 1:1). The word of the Lord is heavy and full of threats, but, as St. Jerome notes, it is also consolatory, because it is not "against" but to Israel. By this name the whole covenanted nation is designated, here, perhaps, with some idea of reminding the people of Jacob's faith and patience, and stimulating them to imitate their great ancestor. By Malachi; literally, by the hand of Malachi (comp. Jeremiah 37:2). That Malachi is the proper name of the prophet, and not a mere official designation, see the proof in the Introduction, § II. The LXX. renders, ἐν χειρὶ ἀγγέλου αὐτοῦ, "by the hand of his angel," or" messenger," and some curious theories have been founded on this translation; e.g. that an angel was the real author of the book, or came and explained it to the people. A similar legend once obtained concerning Haggai, called" The Lord's Messenger" (Haggai 1:13). At the end of the verse the LXX. adds, "fix it in your hearts," which Jerome supposes to have been imported hither from Haggai 2:15.

Parallel Commentaries ...


[This is] an oracle,
מַשָּׂ֥א (maś·śā)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4853: A burden, tribute, porterage, an utterance, chiefly a, doom, singing, mental, desire

the word
דְבַר־ (ḏə·ḇar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

through
בְּיַ֖ד (bə·yaḏ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand

Malachi:
מַלְאָכִֽי׃ (mal·’ā·ḵî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4401: Malachi -- 'my messenger', an Israelite prophet


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OT Prophets: Malachi 1:1 An oracle: the word of Yahweh (Malachi Mal Ml)