Malachi
The Final Voice
Unchanging Nature
"I am the Lord, I do not change" - His character is constant
Covenant Faithfulness
His promises endure despite human unfaithfulness
Righteous Judgment
His justice will ultimately prevail over all evil
"For I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob." - Malachi 3:6
Malachi was the last prophet of the Old Testament, his name meaning "My Messenger." He delivered God's final words before 400 years of prophetic silence that would end with John the Baptist.
Writing around 450-400 BC, Malachi addressed a spiritually complacent post-exilic community. His message bridges the Old and New Testaments, pointing forward to the coming Messiah and His forerunner.
God's Love Questioned (1:2-5):
"I have loved you," says the Lord. But you say, "In what way have You loved us?"
Corrupt Worship (1:6-2:9):
Priests offering defiled sacrifices and showing contempt for God's name
Broken Covenants (2:10-16):
Unfaithfulness in marriage reflecting unfaithfulness to God
Coming Judgment (3:1-4:6):
The Messenger of the covenant will come to purify and judge
Malachi uses a distinctive dialogue format, presenting God's statements followed by the people's skeptical questions, then God's detailed responses. This format reveals the people's spiritual apathy and God's patient correction.
Typical Pattern:
- God's Declaration: "I have loved you"
- People's Question: "How have You loved us?"
- God's Evidence: Detailed proof of His love and faithfulness