Malachi CommentaryThe Bible Says Commentary on Malachi

Malachi is traditionally regarded as the author of the book that bears his name, though some scholars view his name, meaning “My Messenger,” as more of a title than a personal identification. This text is set in the post-exilic period of ancient Judah, in or around Jerusalem, at a time when the Persian Empire controlled the region (approximately late fifth century BC). The Jewish people had returned from Babylonian captivity, rebuilt the temple (completed in 516 BC), and reestablished religious practices. However, spiritual complacency had begun to erode their commitment to God’s commands.

Malachi addresses various concerns, beginning with a reminder of God’s unwavering love and covenant commitment. Yet the people questioned God’s love and disregarded proper worship standards, as seen when unworthy sacrifices were offered on the altar. Priests were neglecting their duties, and Malachi warned them of God’s rebuke if they continued to dishonor His name. “From the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations,” God proclaims, calling for authentic devotion and respect (1:11).

An important theme in Malachi is integrity in giving, particularly tithes and offerings. The prophet chides the people for withholding what rightfully belongs to God: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house” (3:10). Malachi emphasizes that God’s people are called to return to Him wholeheartedly, with assurances that the Lord will likewise return to them and bless them in tangible ways. As a concluding note, Malachi also foretells a day of reckoning-when a messenger would clear the way for the Lord, a prophecy Christians associate with John the Baptist’s ministry centuries later.

The closing verses of Malachi predict the coming of “Elijah the prophet,” pointing to a future time of fervent renewal and anticipation of the Day of the Lord (4:5). In this final prophetic voice of the Old Testament, Malachi urges Israel to remain faithful and revere God’s name, echoing the larger biblical narrative of covenant faithfulness. Shortly after this period, the historical timeline leads into what is often considered the intertestamental era, before the New Testament events unfold.