| Book of Malachi | ||
|
Written in Palestine about 557-525 B.C. Accusations from God and denials from Israel that He is rightfully accusing them of evil. There are 14 accusations from God and 10 rebellious answers from Israel. One of the greatest evidences of backsliding is a person's hypercritical spirit, his readiness to question everything—even God's own statements—and his willingness to find fault with everybody—even the Lord. The book of Malachi is a rebuke against the many sins of Israel, 32 of which are listed. The prophet pronounces the moral judgment of God upon the exiles returning from Babylon more than Haggai and Zechariah do. Furthermore, his book contains some of the most wonderful prophecies we have of the first and second comings of Christ (Malachi 3:1-5), and of the ministry of Elijah and Enoch preceding the second coming (Malachi 3:17-4:6). The purpose of the book was to rebuke the returning exiles for their many sins; to point out to them, at the very outset of their return and restoration as a nation, that God would not tolerate their sins anymore than He did the sins of their fathers (for which they went into ruin, destruction as a nation, and captivity); to warn them of coming judgment if they would continue in sin; and to reveal to them certain events of the future in connection with the Messiah at His first and second comings |
||
|
Prophecies: |
OT Scripture |
NT Fulfillment |
|
A messenger (John The Baptist) would prepare the way for the Messiah. |
||
|
The Messiah would make an unannounced appearance at the Jewish temple. |
||
|
The Messiah would communicate the "New Covenant". |
||
|
The Messiah's coming would be announced by a man coming in the spirit of Elijah (John The Baptist). |
||
|
The Messiah's announcer would turn many hearts to God. |
||
|
|
||
