FOR FURTHER STUDY

1. Malachi contains several key passages:

-The most famous Old Testament passage on giving: Malachi 3:8-10

-The most wonderful diary of all time: Malachi 3:16

-The only passage in which believers are called Jewels: Malachi 3:17

-The only Old Testament book predicting Elijah's return to minister during the tribulation: Malachi 4:15

2. It is difficult for man to accept the fact he has sinned. Note how the people argued with God's judgment in the book of Malachi. "Wherein" is the key word which precedes each argument of the people: Malachi 1:2,6,7; 2:17; 3:7,8,13

3. Note the minister's chief areas of temptation: Malachi 1:6-2:9

4. There are several "beholds" to note in this book:

-Behold I will corrupt and reject worship: Malachi 2:3

-Behold I will send my messenger (John the Baptist): Malachi 3:1

-Behold the earth will burn: Malachi 4:1

-Behold Elijah will warn: Malachi 4:5

5. "God's Book Of Remembrance": See also Exodus 32:32; Psalms 56:8; 69:28; 139:16; Ezekiel 13:9; Daniel 7:10; 11:1; Philippians 4:3; Revelation 20:12

6. Although most of the prophets lived and prophesied in days of change and political upheaval, Malachi lived in an uneventful waiting period when God seemed to have forgotten His people who were enduring poverty and foreign domination in Judah. The day of miracles seemed to have passed with Elijah and Elisha. The Temple was not completed and nothing profound had occurred to indicate God's presence had returned to fill it with glory as Ezekiel prophesied (Ezekiel 43:4). The people continued their religious duties without enthusiasm. In reality, the promises that had been given were conditional and the people were not meeting the requirements of God to enable them to receive them. Malachi's prophecy permits us to see the strains and temptations of the waiting periods of life. More important, he also shows the way back to genuine faith in the God who does not change (Malachi 3:6); who invites men to return to Him (Malachi 3:7); and who never forgets those who respond (Malachi 3:16).