Likely a prophetic title and matching name. Shortened form of “Malachiah” , referenced in 2 Esdras (Not Ezra, but from apocryphal text.
Time period overlaps the time of Ezra & Nehemiah, when Israel is under Persian rule.
Mid-fifth century B.C.
Instead of dealing with widespread idolatry, Malachi focuses on diluted and dead worship of God.
Malachi 1:1 ESV
1The oracle of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi.
2021: Building Our Family
Malachi will urge us toward enthusiastic obedience
Ephesians will focus us on unity & purpose
Four points of this verse to focus on:
The oracle
Hebrew “mas-SAW”
KJV & ASV literally translate as “burden” (heavy load to be carried)
the Word of the Lord
The messenger does not take credit for the words
to Israel
Who are we talking about?
Jacob
Jacob’s descendants/the nation
All God’s people
In this instance, Malachi addresses the descendants.
by Malachi
The messenger/mouthpiece
APPLICATION
The scriptures are written by dual authors.
2 Timothy 3:16–17 ESV
16All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
The believer is burdened by the scriptures (internal)
Hebrews 4:12 ESV
12For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
The believer is burdened with the scriptures (external)
Acts 4:19–20 ESV
19But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”
