Title and Author: The book of Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament and is named after its author, Malachi. The name "Malachi" means "my messenger" in Hebrew, which is fitting given the prophetic nature of the book. Conservative Christian scholars traditionally attribute the authorship to the prophet Malachi himself, although some debate exists regarding whether "Malachi" is a title rather than a personal name.

Historical Context: Malachi was written during the post-exilic period, likely around 450-430 BC, after the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon. This was a time when the temple in Jerusalem had been rebuilt, but the spiritual fervor and moral integrity of the people had waned. The Persian Empire was the dominant power, and the Jewish community was struggling with issues of faithfulness and identity.

Audience: The primary audience of Malachi's message was the Jewish people, particularly the priests and religious leaders who had become complacent and corrupt. The book addresses the entire nation, calling them to repentance and a renewed commitment to their covenant with God.

Purpose: The purpose of Malachi is to call the people of Israel back to faithfulness and to prepare them for the coming of the Lord. It serves as a rebuke for their spiritual apathy and moral failures, while also offering hope for future restoration and blessing.

Genre and Style: Malachi is a prophetic book characterized by a series of disputations or dialogues between God and the people. It uses rhetorical questions and direct speech to convey its message.1. The LORD (God) (Malachi 1:1)
- The central figure in the Book of Malachi, God is portrayed as addressing the people of Israel through the prophet Malachi. He expresses His love for Israel, rebukes the priests and the people for their unfaithfulness, and promises future judgment and restoration.

2. Israel (Malachi 1:1)
- The nation of Israel is addressed collectively as the recipient of God's messages through Malachi. The people are criticized for their lack of faithfulness and proper worship.

3. Esau (Malachi 1:2-3)
- Esau is mentioned in the context of God's love for Jacob (Israel) and His rejection of Esau. This reference highlights the historical enmity between the descendants of Jacob and Esau.

4. Jacob (Malachi 1:2)
- Jacob, the ancestor of the Israelites, is mentioned to emphasize God's choice and love for Israel over Esau, despite their shared ancestry.

5. The Priests (Malachi 1:6)
- The priests are specifically addressed and rebuked for their failure to honor God properly. They are criticized for offering blemished sacrifices and for their general neglect of their duties.

6. Levi (Malachi 2:4)
- Levi, the ancestor of the Levitical priesthood, is mentioned in the context of a covenant of life and peace that God made with him. The current priests are contrasted with Levi's faithfulness.

7. Judah (Malachi 2:11)
- The tribe of Judah is mentioned as having been unfaithful to God by marrying foreign women and engaging in idolatry, thus profaning the covenant.

8. Elijah (Malachi 4:5)
- Elijah the prophet is mentioned in a prophecy about the future. God promises to send Elijah before the "great and dreadful day of the LORD" to turn the hearts of the people.1. Israel (Malachi 1:1)
- Description: Israel is the nation to whom the prophet Malachi is delivering his message. It represents the collective people of God who have returned from Babylonian exile and are now residing in their homeland. The book addresses the spiritual and moral state of the Israelites during this post-exilic period.

2. Edom (Malachi 1:4)
- Description: Edom is a nation descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob (Israel). Historically, Edom had a contentious relationship with Israel. In Malachi, Edom is used as an example of God's judgment and the futility of opposing His will. The text highlights the contrast between God's treatment of Israel and Edom, emphasizing His love for Israel.1. God's Love for Israel (Malachi 1:2-5)
- God declares His love for Israel, contrasting it with His treatment of Esau and Edom. Despite Israel's doubts, God reaffirms His commitment to them.

2. The Priests' Disrespect for God's Name (Malachi 1:6-14)
- God accuses the priests of dishonoring Him by offering blemished sacrifices. He emphasizes the importance of pure offerings and reverence for His name.

3. Condemnation of the Priests' Unfaithfulness (Malachi 2:1-9)
- God rebukes the priests for failing to uphold their covenantal duties, leading the people astray. He warns them of consequences if they do not reform.

4. Judgment Against Unfaithfulness in Marriage (Malachi 2:10-16)
- The prophet addresses the issue of faithlessness in marriage, condemning divorce and urging fidelity, as it reflects the covenant relationship with God.

5. The Coming Messenger (Malachi 2:17-3:5)
- God promises to send a messenger to prepare the way for His coming. This messenger will purify the priests and bring judgment against those who do evil.

6. Call to Return to God (Malachi 3:6-12)
- God invites the people to return to Him, specifically through tithing. He promises blessings if they are faithful in their offerings.

7. The Righteous and the Wicked (Malachi 3:13-18)
- God distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked, noting that those who fear Him will be His treasured possession on the day of judgment.

8. The Day of the Lord (Malachi 4:1-6)
- The book concludes with a prophecy about the coming "day of the Lord," which will bring destruction to the wicked and healing to the righteous. Elijah is mentioned as a precursor to this day.1. God's Love for Israel (Malachi 1:2)
- The book begins with a declaration of God's enduring love for Israel, despite their doubts. God contrasts His love for Jacob with His rejection of Esau, emphasizing His chosen relationship with Israel. "I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you ask, “How have You loved us?” (Malachi 1:2).

2. Corruption of the Priesthood (Malachi 1:6)
- Malachi criticizes the priests for their disrespect and failure to honor God. They offer blemished sacrifices and fail to uphold their duties, leading the people astray. "A son honors his father, and a servant his master. But if I am a father, where is My honor?" (Malachi 1:6).

3. Call to Faithfulness (Malachi 2:10)
- The prophet calls the people to remain faithful to their covenant with God. He condemns their unfaithfulness, particularly in marriage, and urges them to uphold their commitments. "Do we not all have one Father? Did not one God create us?" (Malachi 2:10).

4. Judgment and Justice (Malachi 3:1)
- Malachi speaks of a coming messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord, bringing judgment and refining the people. This theme emphasizes God's justice and the need for purification. "Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me." (Malachi 3:1).

5. Tithes and Offerings (Malachi 3:8)
- The prophet addresses the issue of robbing God through inadequate tithes and offerings. He calls the people to bring the full tithe into the storehouse, promising blessings in return. "Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me!" (Malachi 3:8).

6. The Day of the Lord (Malachi 4:1)
- Malachi concludes with a prophecy about the coming "day of the Lord," a time of judgment and renewal. The righteous will be vindicated, and the wicked will face destruction. "For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble." (Malachi 4:1).1. Messenger of the Covenant (Malachi 3:1)
- Description: This title refers to Jesus as the one who will come to fulfill and establish the new covenant between God and His people. The verse states, "Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts." This indicates His role in bringing a new relationship between God and humanity.

2. Refiner and Purifier (Malachi 3:2-3)
- Description: Jesus is depicted as a refiner and purifier of silver, symbolizing His work in purifying and refining the hearts of His people. The passage describes how He will purify the sons of Levi, which can be seen as a metaphor for purifying believers, making them righteous and holy.

3. Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2)
- Description: This title portrays Jesus as a source of healing and righteousness. The verse says, "But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and leap like calves from the stall." This imagery suggests that Jesus brings light, healing, and joy to those who revere God.1. Prophecy of God's Love for Israel
- Occurrence: Malachi 1:2
- Text: "I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you ask, ‘How have You loved us?’ “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet Jacob I have loved."
- Fulfillment: This prophecy is a reminder of God's enduring love for Israel, fulfilled through His continued faithfulness and covenant relationship with them, despite their shortcomings.

2. Prophecy of a Pure Offering Among the Nations
- Occurrence: Malachi 1:11
- Text: "For My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to My name, because My name will be great among the nations,” says the LORD Almighty.
- Fulfillment: This prophecy is seen as being fulfilled in the spread of Christianity, where worship of God extends beyond Israel to all nations, offering spiritual sacrifices.

3. Prophecy of a Messenger Preparing the Way
- Occurrence: Malachi 3:1
- Text: "Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—behold, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts.
- Fulfillment: This prophecy is traditionally understood to be fulfilled by John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus Christ, as referenced in the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 11:10, Mark 1:2-3).

4. Prophecy of the Coming Day of the Lord
- Occurrence: Malachi 4:1
- Text: "For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble; the day that is coming will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of Hosts, “not a root or branch will be left to them.”
- Fulfillment: This prophecy is often interpreted as referring to the final judgment, a theme echoed in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Revelation.

5. Prophecy of Elijah's Return
- Occurrence: Malachi 4:5-6
- Text: "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; otherwise I will come and strike the land with a curse.”
- Fulfillment: This prophecy is seen as being fulfilled in the ministry of John the Baptist, who came in the "spirit and power of Elijah" (Luke 1:17), preparing the way for Jesus.

1. The Six Disputes  ( 1:1⁠–⁠3:18 )

a. The LORD’s Love for Israel  ( 1:1⁠–⁠5 )

b. The Polluted Offerings and Priesthood  ( 1:6⁠–⁠2:9 )

c. Judah’s Unfaithfulness  ( 2:10⁠–⁠16 )

d. The Coming Day of Judgment  ( 2:17⁠–⁠3:5 )

e. Robbing God  ( 3:6⁠–⁠12 )

f. The Book of Remembrance  ( 3:13⁠–⁠18 )

2. The Day of the LORD  ( 4:1⁠–⁠6 )