Lifespan

Uncertain, but the prophecy recorded in the book by the same name was spoken in about 430 B.C.

Ministry

Malachi seems to have taught after the return from Babylon, for some of the wickedness that he writes of parallels the post-exilic reforms that Nehemiah and Ezra would soon put into practice. He also mentions that the temple is still standing. Chronologically, he was perhaps the last of the official prophets whose writings made it into the Old Testament, although some scholars believe that he predates Ezra and Nehemiah.

Preparation and Calling

Uncertain

Interaction with God

Most of the book of Malachi is written in a question and answer format. Obviously Malachi has been given the gift of the Spirit, perhaps the gift of prophecy, in order to understand and relay God’s answers to His people, but it is unclear the exact nature of how that happens for Malachi.

Social Situation

The exiled Jews had returned to Jerusalem and were rebuilding their lives and their buildings, including the temple. And yet life was still hard. The people wondered about the prophecies of a better life that previous prophets had uttered. Malachi’s ministry was to assure them of God’s love for them and the need for them to keep their covenants with Him.

Key Teachings

Malachi taught strongly of the importance of keeping covenants. Thus, he chastises the people for not keeping the law of the tithe, challenges them to keep the law of Moses, and promises that God will eventually send Elijah to prepare the people for the “day of the Lord.”

Prophecies of Christ

“Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts” (Mal. 3:1).

Living with the Prophet

God’s people have always been covenant makers and covenant keepers. If you are unsure of what covenants you should make, perhaps it is time to seek direction from a living prophet. We are fortunate today to have one, you know. Seek out his teachings and obey them to find yourself on the right side of God.

Sources

The Learning Bible, the book of Malachi

Holy Bible, the book of Malachi

Oxford Companion to the Bible, s.v. “Malachi, the Book of”