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Daily Devotions

Malachi

Malachi 
Day 
Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Text: Malachi

THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT

The Book of Malachi, though it was placed as the last book in the Old Testament, was probably not the final book written.

Malachi lived and ministered in the days when the Jews were returning from their captivity in Babylon. They had been exiled there for 70 long years.

THE PROBLEMS FACED IN REBUILDING THE NATION

It was not an easy task to rebuild a nation. The LORD raised up special leaders like Ezra, Nehemiah and Zerubbabel. He also sent special prophets, Haggai and Zechariah to encourage the returning Jews to encourage the people to complete their Temple project.

1. Existing problems

a) The returning Jews did not have much to begin with in the rebuilding of the nation.
b) There was some support from the Kings, Cyrus and Darius.
c) But the bulk of the work had to be done by the returnees.

2. External causes

a) There were enemies who hated the idea of Jews returning to rebuild their nation.
b) They were determined to oppose and obstruct them as much as possible.

3. Internal causes

a) The political leaders failed to govern effectively.
b) The spiritual leaders lacked power and courage.
c) The general populace was distracted by the desire for wealth.
d) Corruption threatened to adversely affect the nation as it was being rebuilt.

MALACHI THE PROPHET

God raised up another prophet, Malachi. His name simply means, “My messenger”. He would be another vital servant of the LORD who sought to lead the Jews to practise their faith correctly.

Malachi had to address fundamental issues of worship. Wrong practices had to be corrected. He also had to confront the priests who were failing in their task!

The Book of Malachi offers significant spiritual lessons. Malachi prophetically pointed to the day when the Messiah, the LORD’s Messenger would come to His people, Israel.