The Bible Study Reading PlanSample

MALACHI

AUTHOR:
The book of Malachi was written by the otherwise unknown prophet, Malachi, whose name means "My Messenger".

DATE:
Malachi wrote this prophecy around 430-420 BC, 100 years after the last prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah.

AUDIENCE:
Malachi wrote to the remnant of Israel that had lost their passion for the Lord.

REASON:

Malachi was written to rebuke the priests and people for falling so far away from the Lord and to warn them of the future Day of the Lord.

THEME:

Judgment will come unless they return to the Lord.

KEY VERSE:

"For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts." (3:6-7 ESV)

SPLIT:
Israel's Blessings (1:1-5), Rebuking of Priests and the People (1:6-2:16), The Coming Day of the Lord (2:17-4:6)

KEY WORDS/PHRASES:

Covenant, Priests, Sacrifices, Curse