Malachi

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew malʾākhî (“my messenger”), highlighting his role as a prophetic envoy.
• Period/Era: Post-Exilic period (after the return from Babylon; Persian-era Judah).
• Main References: Malachi 1–4.
• Key Connections: Jerusalem priests and Levites; Judah’s covenant obligations (e.g., sacrifices, tithes, marriage fidelity); promise of a coming “messenger” (Mal. 3:1).

Who was Malachi?

Malachi is the named prophet associated with the final book of the Minor Prophets.
He addressed the restored community in Judah, focusing on worship practices and covenant conduct.
The book presents him primarily through his oracles rather than biographical details.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Confronted corrupt priestly service and improper sacrifices brought to the temple (Mal. 1:6–2:9).
• Event 2: Addressed covenant unfaithfulness in marriage and community ethics, calling for faithfulness in Judah (Mal. 2:10–16).
• Event 3: Announced coming divine judgment and purification, including the promise of a preparatory “messenger” (Mal. 3:1–5).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Malachi’s message stresses that covenant worship and public conduct are accountable to Israel’s God in the post-exilic community.

Key Verse

"Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts." — Malachi 3:1, ESV