BibleProject | One Story That Leads to Jesusનમૂનો

Today, we complete the book of Malachi, which concludes the prophets section of the Hebrew Bible. Congratulations! You have now read two-thirds of the Hebrew Bible. In other words, you’ve read through the Torah, “T,” and Nevi’im, “N,” of the TaNaK.

The first half of Malachi exposed an all-too-familiar problem. Today’s reading picks up a major thread woven through the prophetic books: the prophets’ resilient hope for the Day of the Lord, when Yahweh would one day show up to confront evil and restore his people.

For those who cling to injustice and idolatry, Malachi warns that the day will come like blazing fire, incinerating every trace of evil. For the faithful remnant, the Day of the Lord will rise like the spring sun, its gentle warmth soaking the world with joy and life.

The conclusion of Malachi points forward to a time when God will send a new Moses and a new Elijah to restore God’s people and heal their hard hearts. But as the people anticipate this day, Malachi encourages them to keep in mind the past—to remember God’s character, actions, and promises, and never to stop meditating on the unified story of the Scriptures.

Which brings us to the third and final section of the TaNaK, the “K,” Ketuvim—the writings.

Reflection Questions

• Compare Malachi 4:4-6, the closing verses of the Prophets (Nevi’im, the “N” section of the TaNaK), to Deuteronomy 34:10-12, the closing verses of the Torah (the “T” section of the TaNaK). What parallels do you notice? What do these hyperlinks show you about the literary design of the Hebrew Bible?
• Review the laws about the tithe in Leviticus 27:30-33 and Numbers 18:21-32. How do these passages help you understand God’s charge that Israel has been robbing him?