Introduction to Malachi

I. “A Personal Relationship with God”

A. What are the characteristics of a good, healthy long-term relationship?

B. What are the obstacles to achieving a good relationship?

C. These things are true of our relationship with God as well (i.e. same characteristics, same obstacles).

II. Observing the Text

A. [Read the whole text, pausing after each chapter to summarize.]

B. What problems do you see in the relationship between YHWH and Israel?

C. What is the solution to these problems (as presented in the text)?

III. The Root of the Problem

A. Israel no longer takes God seriously. They are incredulous. They have ceased to hear YHWH’s voice or see YHWH’s hand in their lives. Also, they have forgotten the past.

B. God’s grace to Israel:

1. He handpicked them from among the pagans to be his people (Abraham’s story).

2. He redeemed them from Egypt.

3. He brought them into the Promised Land against all odds.

4. He gave them Torah.

5. He kept his covenant with them (consider the Babylonian Captivity, 3:6, etc.).

IV. The Result of the Problem

A. Israel no longer takes God seriously --> so they grow weary of covenant-keeping --> so they turn rebellious. Isn’t this so often what happens with us?

B. Weary:

1. On the verge of the Silent Period.

2. Zerrubbabel and Joshua had died, with no apparent successors.

3. The temple was rebuilt, but it had not been filled with YHWH’s glory, as pictured in Ezekiel 43:4.

4. The age of miracles had ended with Elijah and Elisha.

5. Torah seemed burdensome.

C. Rebellious:

1. Blemished sacrifices on the altar.

2. Divorce, foreign wives, and foreign gods.

3. Partiality in the law (e.g. taking advantage of the poor, etc.)

4. Withholding tithes and offerings.

5. Questioning God’s justice.

V. Conclusion

Big idea: “ ‘Return to me, and I will return to you,’ says the LORD Almighty” (3:7).

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