OUTLINE OF MALACHI

By Gene McCarty

    We know very little of the writer of this book. The date of writing was probably between 440 and 425 B.C. The purpose of the book is to deal with the sinful attitude of man as he seeks to worship Jehovah. Man wanted to give God the leftovers, and God wanted the first fruits. God desired pure worship, but man mixed idolatry with his worship for Jehovah. 

1. The first few verses of chapter 1 tell us that the people of Israel can simply look at the nations around them and see that God is in control. The Lord is great in all nations.
    

2. In the latter part of chapter 1 the prophet speaks to the priest about their practice of putting defiled sacrifices on the alter of sacrifice to God. The 2nd chapter continues with the admonition to return to righteousness. The Lord promises to curse these men unless they repent.
    

3. In the latter part of chapter 2 the people are rebuked for marrying the daughters of foreign Gods, and of having no respect for their marriage vows or covenants. In fact the Lord declares "I hate divorce." The prophet goes ahead to say that the people have grown to the point that they have decided that all who do evil in the sight of the Lord are good and he is pleased with them.
    

4. The 3rd chapter begins with the promise of the Lord's coming and the threat of his judgment. He then speaks of a national attitude of robbing God. It is noteworthy that this great sin is the product of being discouraged and simply giving up on serving God. In the 4th chapter a judgment is pronounced on those who will give up, and a tremendous blessing is promised to those who are faithful. This book, and the Old Testament end with the promise of God's continued blessing for his people.