Guide
What Is the Book of Malachi?
6th–4th Century BCE
Restricted
Written after the Second Temple had been built, the book of Malachi advocates following the Torah of Moses. Using the metaphor of God as father, it excoriates the priests and the people for maintaining a Temple service that is corrupt and demeans God, for marriages with idolatrous wives, and for social wrongs. It foretells a time when God will send a messenger before him to purify the people and Temple of their sins, when doubts about his justice will cease, and when he will send the prophet Elijah to bring reconciliation, before “the fearful day of the Lord.” This verse led to the idea that Elijah will come at the beginning of the messianic era. The name “Malachi” means “my messenger” (see 3:1); it is not clear if this is actually the name of the prophet.
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
Denunciation of Israel and the Priests
Malachi 1–2 (selections)
A pronouncement: The word of the Lord to Israel through Malachi.
I have shown you love, said the Lord. But you ask, “How have You shown us love?” After all—declares the Lord—Esau is Jacob…
Primary Source
The Day of the Lord Will Revitalize the Faithful
Malachi 3:13–24
You have spoken hard words against Me—said the Lord. But you ask, “What have we been saying among ourselves against You?” You have said, “It is useless to serve God. What have we gained by keeping…