Why the Book of Malachi is important:

Malachi is important and unique as the last book in the Old Testament that brings to a close that historical record ... and also as the first and only book of the Old Testament that informs us that there is a Book of Remembrance in which God has recorded the names of everyone who has believed in Him and been faithful to Him.

The Book of Malachi was written as a prophetic oracle to ensure that the hearts of the Jews were right and that they were keeping God first in their lives. Malachi described the sins of the Jews, and he prophesied that God would send a messenger to prepare the way for the Lord who would one day come to the earth.

  • In chapter 1, Malachi describes God's love for Israel and His anger toward Esau, also known as the people of Edom. He denounced inferior sacrifices, but declares that His name will be great among the nations.

  • In chapter 2, Malachi declares God's punishment for corrupt, unrepentant priests who corrupted the covenant of Levi and profaned the sanctuary. He also condemns marital unfaithfulness and divorce as treachery.

  • In chapter 3, Malachi prophesies concerning the Messiah, and declares God's reprimand for the people who have sinned by robbing God of His tithes and for speaking against the Lord. The people asked, what benefit is it to keep God's ordinances and walk humbly before the Lord when it seems that the proud are blessed and doers of wickedness proper.

    Then those who feared the Lord spoke and the Lord listened and a Book of Remembrance appeared in which it was revealed that the Lord will remember those who serve him faithfully. God said: They will be mine. When I make up my jewels, I will spare them. Then you will discern the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not serve Him.

  • In chapter 4, Malachi prophesies that the great and terrible day of the Lord will come as a judgment in which God will burn up the wicked with His holy anger. All the proud and all who do wickedly will be stubble. But to those who fear God, the Sun of Righteousness will arise with healing in His wings and the righteous will tread down the wicked and they will be ashes under your feet. Remember the law of Moses.

    God said, I will send Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to their fathers.

    Malachi encouraged all believers to live faithfully toward God, and he offers hope that God is not finished extending mercy to His people.

    The people had fallen short in their covenant with God, and they need to take responsibility for their actions and serve God faithfully. God still loves everyone, but people need to remember His commandments, and if they repent, God will bless them.

    View an index of Old Testament books