Book Introduction - Malachi
Read first chapter of Malachi
MALACHI "my messenger," the last of the prophets to the restored remnant after the 70 years' captivity, probably prophesied in the time of confusion during Nehemiah's absence (Nehemiah 13:6). The burden of his message is, the love of Jehovah, the sins of the priests and of the people, and the day of the Lord. Malachi, like Zechariah, sees both advents and predicts two forerunners (Malachi 3:1; 4:5-6). As a whole, Malachi gives the moral judgement of God on the remnant restored by his grace under Ezra and Nehemiah. He had established his house among them, but their worship was formal and insincere. The book is in four natural divisions: The love of God for Israel, 1:1-5 The sins of the priests rebuked1:6-2:9 The sins of the people rebuked2:10-3:18 The day of the Lord4:1-6
CHAPTER 1
Verse 4
Edom
i.e. Esau's descendants. See Genesis 25:30.
Verse 6
if then I be a father
Cf. (See Scofield "Isaiah 63:16"). The relationship here is national, not personal Jeremiah 3:18,19 here, apparently, the Jews were calling Jehovah, "Father," but yielding Him no filial obedience. See ; John 8:37-39; Romans 9:1-8.
Verse 10
Who is there
Or, I would that one among you would shut the doors of the temple that no more vain fire should kindle on mine altar. Cf. Isaiah 1:11-15.
Verse 11
For from the raising i.e. So it would have been had Israel been true. Isaiah 45:5,6. So it shall be despite Israel's failure.
CHAPTER 2
Verse 2
curse
Cf. Deuteronomy 28:3-14 and Deuteronomy 28:15-35. Israel's distinctive blessings should turn to curses.
Verse 10
Have we not all one
Cf. Acts 17:24-29. In both instances the reference is to creation, not the new birth.
Verse 15
spirit
Summary of the O.T. doctrine of the Holy Spirit: (1) The personality and Deity of the Holy Spirit appear from the attributes ascribed to Him, and from His works. (2) He is revealed as sharing the work of creation and therefore omnipotent Genesis 1:2; Job 26:13; 33:4; Psalms 104:30 as omnipresent Psalms 139:7 as striving with men Genesis 6:3 as enlightening Job 32:8 enduing with constructive skill ; Exodus 28:3; 31:3 giving physical strength Judges 14:6,19 executive ability and wisdom ; Judges 3:10; 6:34; 11:29; 13:25 enabling men to receive and utter divine revelations ; Numbers 11:25; 2 Samuel 23:2 and, generally, as empowering the servants of God ; Psalms 51:12; Joel 2:28; Micah 3:8; Zechariah 4:6 (3) He is called holy Psalms 51:11 good Psalms 143:10 the Spirit of judgment and burning Isaiah 4:4 of Jehovah, of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, good, knowledge, the fear of the Lord Isaiah 11:2 and of grace and supplications Zechariah 12:10. (4) In the O.T. the Spirit acts in free sovereignty, coming upon men and even upon a dumb beast as He will, nor are the conditions set forth (as in the N.T.) by complying with which any one may receive the Spirit. The indwelling of every believer by the abiding Spirit is a N.T. blessing consequent upon the death and resurrection of Christ John 7:39; 16:7; Acts 2:33; Galatians 3:1-6. (5) The O.T. contains prediction of a future pouring out of the Spirit upon Israel Exodus 37:14; 39:29 and upon "all flesh" Joel 2:28,29. The expectation of Israel, therefore, was twofold--of the coming of Messiah-Immanuel, and of such an effusion of the Spirit as the prophets described. See Matthew 1:18.
CHAPTER 3
Verse 1
Lord
The f.c. of Malachi 3:1 is quoted of John the Baptist ; Matthew 11:10; Mark 1:2; Luke 7:27 but the second clause, "the Lord whom ye see," etc., is nowhere quoted in the N.T. The reason is obvious: in everything save the fact of Christ's first advent, the latter clause awaits fulfilment Habakkuk 2:20. Malachi 3:2-5 speak of judgment, not of grace. Malachi, in common with other O.T. prophets, saw both advents of Messiah blended in one horizon, but did not see the separating interval described in Mt. 13. consequent upon the rejection of the King Matthew 13:16,17. Still less was the Church-age in his vision ; Ephesians 3:3-6; Colossians 1:25-27. "My messenger" Malachi 3:1 is John the Baptist; the "messenger of the covenant" is Christ in both of His advents, but with especial reference to the events which are to follow His return.
Verse 16
they remnant, Romans 9:25-29, (See Scofield "Jeremiah 15:21") feared (See Scofield "Psalms 19:9").