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The Book of Malachi

Lesson 42

 

1. The Book:

We cone now to the last Book of the Old Testament. Malachi means “my messenger.” He prophesied after the days of Nehemiah and the condition of the Jews had become deplorable. He is “ the bridge” between the Old and New Testaments (3:1). Four hundred years of silence is between the voice of Malachi and the “voice of one crying in the wilderness”-John 1:23.

 

2.  The Central Message:

Behold, He shall come- 3:1

 

3.  The Structure of the Book:

  • The Love of God Stated- 1:1-5

  • The Love of God Scorned- 1:6-2:17; 3:7-15

  • The Love of God Shown- 3:1-6; 3:16-4:6

 

4.   The Love of God Stated: 1:1-5

“I have loved you, saith the Lord,” yet on every hand the Israelites asked the flippant (not showing a serious or respectful attitude) questions of Jehovah. These questions came from irritated people who said God had failed to prove His love. Note the seven questions:

 

  • Wherein hast thou loved us? 1:2

  • Wherein have we despised thy name? 1:6

  • Wherein have we polluted thee? 1:7

  • Wherein have we wearied Him? 2:17

  • Wherein shall we return? 3:7

  • Wherein have we robbed thee? 3:8

  • Wherein have we spoken against thee? 3:13

 

5. The Love of God Scorned: 1:6-2:17; 3:7-15

The Love of God was scorned by the Prophets 1:6-2:9. They had cheated the Lord through lame and sick offerings. They gave less than the best (1:12-13). The Love of God was scorned by the people. First, by cheating their brother (2:10); then through intermarriage (2:11); by their immorality (2:14); by their insincerity (2:17); by their robbing God (3:8-10); by their speaking against the Lord (3:13-15).

 

 

6. The Love of God Shown: 3:1-6; 3:16-4:6

  • FIRST COMING, announced by John the Baptist- 3:1-6.

  • SECOND COMING, announced by Elijah-4:5-6

  • Remembering His own- 3:16-17- How precious to God are His own. A “Book of Remembrance” is written containing the “jewels” of the Lord.

  • The Old Testament closes with the paramount though- “ He is coming.” 4:1

  • “Unto you that fear my name, shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings.” 4:2

  • Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

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