Malachi

Other references

None. Although Malachi is a post-exilic prophet, he is not mentioned by Haggai or Zechariah or in the contexts of the accounts of Nehemiah or Ezra.

Dates

Malachi contains no specific references to the dates of these prophecies. There is therefore no absolute certainty about the date but there are clues in the text.

• It seems he is addressing the same people and same issues as Nehemiah had.

• Malachi 3:8 - tensions over temple funds (c.f. Nehemiah 10:32-39; 13:10)

• Malachi 3:5 - the poor were being oppressed (c.f. Nehemiah 5:1-5)

• Malachi 2:10-11 - many inter-religious marriages (c.f. Nehemiah Ezra 9:1-2; Nehemiah 13:1-3, 23-24)

On this basis, it is suggested that Malachi prophesied about 450-430 B.C.

Context and message

Malachi's audience

Malachi prophesied to the generations who followed those who had returned to Jerusalem and Judah.

The people who have returned from exile have proved to be no more faithful than their ancestors.

• They claim that God has not shown them any love

• They bring damaged sacrifices

• The priest dishonour God and mislead the people

• The people marry foreigners and divorce

• They do evil

• They rob God by not tithing

• They claim it is futile serving God because those who do evil prosper

God says that he will judge them for their sinfulness. But Those who fear the Lord will be spared. There is a distinction between the righteous and the wicked. Finally, God promises to send the prophet Elijah to soften the hearts of the people.

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