Malachi: God's Final Word

Malachi is God's final message to Israel at the close of the Old Testament. A century after the exiles' return to the land, the post-exilic community is steeped in covenant infidelity. Israel complains to the LORD about their perceived mistreatment in a series of disputes. Meanwhile, they are utterly blind to the gravity of their covenant transgressions and the offense they have become to God. Yet the LORD declares, "My name will be feared among the nations" (1:14). Malachi, whose name means "my messenger," speaks of another messenger who will prepare the way of the LORD (3:1; 4:5). Jesus reveals that Malachi spoke about John the Baptist (e.g., Matt. 11:14), and the New Testament shows that the day of the Lord is indeed upon us. In these last times, Jesus is God's final message (e.g., Heb. 1:2), and for those who fear him, among every nation, "the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings" (4:2; Luke 1:78-79; John 8:12; Rev. 22:2).