Malachi April 9, 1997

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The word Malachi means "my messenger." This is an anonymous prophet.

Setting: uneventful period 515 b.c.e. or later

Leadership: priestly (idealization of Levi 2:5-6)

Authority: scripture = Law and Prophets(catechetical style similar to Ezra and Nehemiah)

Cultic Issue: not Baal idolatry but Torah Piety - rigorous observance of sacrifical law (priests are offering blind animals, animals taken in violence, lame, sick or blemished animals)

Movement: relation with right God to right formation of relation

 

Particular issues:

• unblemished offerings 1:6-14
• intermarriage 2:10
• divorce 2:14
• tithe 3:18

 

Summation:

 

We may have a tendency to be critical of Malachi's concern for the correct formation of relationship. It seems so formal a concern compared ot the passionate outcry against idolatry found in Hosea and Jeremiah. These are admonitions for the mature not the rebellious.