MALACHI [5 8 AUGUST DAY 218- 221]

INTRODUCTION

Malachi means my messenger written about 450-400 B.C. a hundred years after the people had returned from the exile in Babylon. The temple already rebuilt and hope high for the coming of the messiah to rule over the nations according to prophecies they have received. However, the people became complacent after settling down for these many years.

This book a series of disputes beginning with Gods claim and Israel disclaiming it with Gods response. The six claims, disputes and Gods responses. The first three Gods exposes Israels corruption and the final three God confronts their corruption

The book can be divided into three main sections:

Chapter 1:1-5 Gods Compassion for Israel. He claims of His love but the Israelites objected how had He shown it. He reminded them of Jacob and Esau. Now descendants of Jacob is so blessed while Esaus in ruin.

Chapter 1:6-3:15 Gods Complaint of Israel

God complaints of the way the people treated His temple. They gave the weak. blemished, lame sacrifices to God (Malachi 1:6-14). The priests did not teach truth (Malachi 2:1-9). The men divorced their wives without a proper reason turning to idolatrous women (Malachi 2:10-16).

The Israelites accuse God asking where is God of justice. God responded He Himself would come to his temple (the house of God) (Malachi 3:1-5). But before this, God would send a messenger (John the Baptist) to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. He would teach the correct way to serve God. Then, the people would be ready for God's arrival. This was good news for the people who respected God.

God calls them to turn back in keeping their vow, the commitment to tithe but they accused God of letting the wicked, covetous who became successful.

Chapter 3:16-4:6 Gods Condemnation of Israel

God responded them that He has a remnant who would follow the law and a scroll of remembrance is written about them. Develop the future of the faithful remnant is not a threat but a cause of rejoice, a day of the rising sun. But this was terrible news for the people who refused to obey God. He draws to a conclusion of the call to remember the commandments and He would send the prophet Elijah before the day of the Lord who will restore the hearts of Gods people.