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Malachi
God's love requires repentance and obedience.
Old Testament · Minor Prophets
Summary
The prophet's personal background is unknown except for his name and his prophecy. His name means 'my messenger.' Malachi probably prophesied around 430 to 420 B.C. The historical background: Return to the land, reconstruction of temple and city. The people have become corrupt. Their morals have deteriorated. They have stopped the tithe and demonstrated their lack of respect for God.
Outline
Declaration Of Divine Love
Chapters 1:1-5| Introduction | 1:1 | |
| Declaration of God's love | 1:2a | |
| Israel's blindness to God's love | 1:2b | |
| Demonstrations of God's love | 1:2c-5 | His choice of Israel - 1:2c-3a His preservation of Israel - 1:3b-5 |
Denunciation Of Abuse Of God's Love
Chapters 1:6-3:6| Denunciation of the Priests | 1:6-2:9 | Despising God's Name - 1:6 Offering unclean sacrifices - 1:7-9 Defiling God's Name before the Gentiles - 1:10-14 Warning of judgment - 2:1-3 Contrast with Levi - 2:4-8 Result of their condition - 2:9 |
| Denunciation of the People | 2:10-3:6 | Mistreatment of brethren - 2:10 Spiritual fornication - 2:11-12 Divorce and remarriage - 2:13-16 Denial of justice - 2:17 Warning of judgment - 3:1-6 |
Desire For Positive Response To God's Love
Chapters 3:7-4:6| Call to repentance | 3:7-12 |
| Defense of God's justice | 3:13-4:6 |
Resources
Audio Lessons
Part 1: malachi