MALACHI 1-4

Malachi talks about Israel's privileged status and transgressions and God's future promises. He also refers to two key prophets: John the Baptist and Elijah.

ISRAEL'S PRIVILEGE (1:1-5)

God's devotion to Jacob's descendants (1:1-2, 5)

God's destruction of Esau's descendants (1:3-4)

ISRAEL'S POLLUTIONS (1:6-2:17; 3:5-15)

The priests' sins (1:6-2:9)

Their rebellion (1:6-14; 2:7-9)

They despise and dishonour God's holy name (1:6, 11, 14b).

They offer polluted sacrifices (1:7-10; 12-14a).

They pervert God's Word, causing many to stumble (2:7-9).

Their rebuke (2:1-3):

God warns that the priests and their descendants will be severely punished if they do not repent.

Their role model (2:4-6):

Levi, the tribe's founder

The people's sins (2:10-17; 3:5-15)

Their iniquities (2:10-17; 3:5, 8-15)

They are untrue to each other (2:10).

They divorce their wives (2:13-16).

They marry pagan wives (2:11-12).

They claim evil is good (2:17).

They are sorcerers, adulterers, liars, cheaters, oppressors, and unjust people (3:5).

They slander God (3:13-15).

They rob God (3:8-12).

God's invitation (3:6-7):

Repent!

ISRAEL'S PROPHETS (3:1a; 4:5-6):

Malachi refers to two key prophets:

John the Baptist, who introduces Christ's first coming (3:1a)

Elijah, who will introduce Christ's second coming (4:5-6)

GOD'S PROMISES TO ISRAEL (3:1b-4, 16-18; 4:1-4)

Christ's coming (3:1b, 16; 4:1-4)

The place (3:1b):

The Temple

The particulars (3:16; 4:1-4)

The journal (3:16):

Christ will bring with him a scroll of remembrance, in which he will record the names of those who love and fear him.

The judgment (4:1):

He will punish the wicked.

The joy (4:2-4):

The Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings!

Israel's cleansing (3:2-4, 17-18)

To be refined as silver and gold (3:2-4)

To be regarded as treasure (3:17-18)