Minor Prophets — Malachi
This last of the Minor Prophets closes the Lord’s testimony to the Jews until the coming of John the Baptist. Malachi prophesied after the rebuilding of the temple and perhaps at the time of Nehemiah’s second visit to Jerusalem (compare Malachi 3:10 with Nehemiah 13:5-12).
Malachi describes days of indifference and lukewarmness very parallel to what is described by Paul as “the last days” (2 Timothy 3:1). In Malachi we learn the faithfulness and love of God for His people in spite of their indifference and coldness towards Him and His Word. While not excusing their sin, He promises blessing on the grounds of His grace when His Man comes to intercede on behalf of the faithful remnant in a yet future day of blessing for the Jews. “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings” (Malachi 4:2). In the meantime there are warnings and encouragements for the faithful, just as there are today for those who desire to go on for the Lord in these last moments just before the Lord’s coming to call His own safe home to the Father’s house. “And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels” (Malachi 3:17).
