WRITER. Nothing is known of the prophet’s life except what is found in his book. He was probably a contemporary of Nehemiah; the conditions described in the prophecy best answer to that time.

STYLE, Forceful and Peculiar. Jehovah is represented as having a dialogue with his people. “Ye Say” is contrasted with “Thus saith Jehovah of hosts” through the first three chapters.

THEME, A graphic picture of the closing period of Old Testament history, showing that great reforms were needed to prepare the way for the coming Messiah.

KEY TEXT
# Mal 3.8

SYNOPSIS

I. DARK SIDE OF THE PICTURE. The sins of a dishonest, ungrateful people, and an unfaithful priesthood.

(1) Robbing God.
(a) By failure to respond to Divine Love # Mal 1:2
(b) By dishonouring God’s Name # Mal 1:6
(c) By presenting blemished offerings # Mal 1:7,8,13,14
(d) The priests, by evil example, becoming stumbling-blocks, instead of spiritual leaders
# Mal 2:1-8
(e) By honouring sinners # Mal 2:17 3:15
(f) By selfishly withholding tithes # Mal 3:8
(g) By justifying impiety # Mal 3:14

(2) Social Sins
(a) Treacherous dealing with brethren # Mal 2:10
(b) Inter-marriage with the heathen # Mal 2:11
(c) Divorcing wives # Mal 2:14-16
(d) Sorcery, impurity, oppression # Mal 3:5

II. THE LIGHT SIDE OF THE PICTURE
Glorious Promises
(1) Of the coming of the Messenger of the Covenant # Mal 3:1-4
(2) Of the outpouring of a Great Blessing # Mal 3:10-12
(3) Of the saints becoming Jehovah’s peculiar Treasure # Mal 3:16-18
(4) Of the dawning of a New Day in which righteousness shall triumph # Mal 4:2,3
(5) Of the appearance of a Spiritual Reformer before the Day of the Lord is ushered in
# Mal 4:5,6

CHOICE SELECTIONS
Ch. 3. The Purifying Messenger of the Covenant # Mal 3:1-4
Ch. 3. The Cataract of Blessing # Mal 3:10
Ch. 3. God’s Jewels # Mal 3:16,17