Mountain View College

School of Theology

A Prophet's Plea: Rebuilding Covenant and Cult in the Book of Malachi

A term paper
presented in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the class
BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS AND EXEGESIS

by
Uriel Jesferdil Ingod
March 2024
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS...........................................................................................
CHAPTER

INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................1

Textual Matters and Translation................................................................................3

Form...........................................................................................................................3
Structure.....................................................................................................................3
Historical Background...............................................................................................4
Literary Context.........................................................................................................6
Biblical Context.........................................................................................................8
Theology..................................................................................................................10
Application...............................................................................................................12

CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................12

BIBLIOGRAPHY..............................................................................................................14

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 INTRODUCTION

The Book of Malachi, the last section of the Old Testament, offers profound

prophecies aimed at restoring covenant faithfulness and creating a new form of worship.

Burdened to speak to a people who have strayed from the path of godliness, the prophet

Malachi serves as a poignant voice calling for a return to the sacred covenant between

Yahweh and his people. The general theme of this exegetical study revolves around

unraveling the intricate fabric of Malachi’s message, examining the nuances of covenant

obligations, and the importance of authentic worship. It seeks to discover concepts and

their practical implications.

Methodologically, this course will take a holistic approach including historical-

critical analysis, literary analysis, and theological reflection. Examining the historical

context of postexilic Judah and the social and religious developments of Malachi’s

prophetic ministry, we aim to put the prophet’s message in context in a chronological

order. At the same time, the text will be read closely to examine the rhetorical devices,

literary structure and thematic development of the book of Malachi. Moreover,

theological considerations will serve as a guiding light, illuminating the enduring benefits

of Malachi’s prophetic appeal to modern believers taking up their covenant relationship

with the divine.

The importance of this study is its timely relevance to mankind's enduring

struggle to remain faithful to divine covenants in the face of historical changes By

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immersing ourselves in Malachi's prophetic words we do not simply seek to understand

the challenges faced by ancient Judah.

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 EXEGETICAL ANALYSIS

Textual Matters and Translation

The text chosen for the explanation was Malachi 3:1-4 This pericope presents an

element of its own in the book of Malachi, focusing on the announcement of the coming

of the Messenger of the Covenant and the purification of the sons of Levi.

Textual analysis indicates that the manuscript in this volume contains few

changes and no major textual problems. However, a textual issue arises in Malachi 3:1

concerning the identity of the angel. Hebrews reads, "Behold, I send my messenger, and

he shall prepare the way before me." Some manuscripts, notably the Septuagint, add a

specific clause before "messenger," changing the meaning to "Behold, I send my

messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me" to reflect scribal traditions or

interpretations, of course that these varieties do so does not greatly affect the overall

meaning of the passage can.

Form

The passage chosen for the expository study is Malachi 3:1-4. In general literary

style, this narrative includes the type of the prophetic orator, which is a monolithic

prophetic speech or announcement usually delivered by the prophet as a message from

God to the people

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 More specifically, in the nature of prophetic utterances, Malachi 3:1-4 can be

classified as Messianic prophecy. They are a few prophecies that foretell the coming of a

specific person, the Messiah, who will play a key role in the fulfillment of God's purpose

and promises. In this passage it announces the coming of an angel who will prepare the

way of the Lord, and emphasize purity and divine discernment.

Structure

The passage in focus, Malachi 3:1-4, exhibits a structured progression that

unfolds in a cohesive manner. The structure can be outlined as follows, organized
according to descending units of size:

Main Structure:

Announcement of the Messenger (verse 1)

Description of the Messenger's Role (verse 2)

The Purification of the Sons of Levi (verses 3-4)

Substructure within Each Unit:

Announcement of the Messenger:

Opening proclamation: "Behold, I send my messenger..." (verse 1a)

Preparation of the way: "...and he will prepare the way before me" (verse 1b)

Description of the Messenger's Role:

Metaphorical imagery: "He will suddenly come to his temple" (verse 1c)

The appearance of the Lord: "And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to his
temple" (verse 1d)

The Messenger as a covenant reaffirmer: "The messenger of the covenant in whom you
delight" (verse 1e)

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 Nature of the coming: "Behold, he is coming" (verse 1f)

The Purification of the Sons of Levi:

Introduction of the refining metaphor: "But who can endure the day of his coming?"
(verse 2a)

Refinement process: "For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap" (verse 2b)

Purpose of refinement: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver" (verse 3a)

Result of refinement: "They will bring offerings in righteousness" (verse 3b)

Specific focus on the Levites: "Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing
to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years" (verse 4)

Minor Patterns and Intentionality:

Parallelism: The repetition of themes and motifs throughout the passage enhances

its coherence and reinforces its central message of divine intervention and purification.

Chiasm: While there may not be a strict chiasmatic structure evident in this

passage, there are elements of balance and symmetry, particularly in the description of

the Messenger's role and the purification process, contributing to its intentional design

and rhetorical effectiveness.

Overall, the structured progression of Malachi 3:1-4 reflects the intentional

craftsmanship of the prophetic message, employing various literary devices to convey its

themes of divine presence, purification, and restoration.

Historical Background

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 Research the historical background, social setting, historical foreground,

geographical setting, and date the passageThe Book of Malachi: Historical Context and

SettingThe Book of Malachi, believed to be the final book of the Hebrew Bible, offers a

glimpse into a crucial period in Israelite history: the Second Temple period. Following

the return of the Israelites from exile in Babylon around 538 BC, Judah was in the midst

of rebuilding both their physical and spiritual lives. This paper will explore the historical

background, social setting, historical foreground, and geographical setting of the Book of

Malachi, providing context for understanding its message.

Historical Background and Social Setting:

The Second Temple period witnessed the reconstruction of the Jerusalem temple and an

attempt to re-establish a sense of community and religious identity. However, this era

was not without its challenges. The people of Judah faced economic hardship and social

stratification. Intermarriage with neighboring cultures, while offering some economic

benefits, also led to a decline in adherence to strict religious practices. This intermingling

resulted in social tensions and a questioning of Israelite traditions.

Historical Foreground:

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 The Book of Malachi serves as a critique of the prevailing social and religious

conditions. The text scathingly criticizes the shortcomings of the priesthood, who were

failing to uphold their religious duties. The practice of offering tithes and sacrifices to the

temple had become lax, reflecting a potential decline in religious fervor among the

populace. The book also grapples with doubts and anxieties about God's justice and

faithfulness, hinting at a sense of disillusionment within the community.

Geographical Setting:

The Book of Malachi is geographically situated in Jerusalem and Judah, located

in the southern region of historical Israel. Jerusalem, as the center of religious and

political life, served as a focal point for the issues addressed in the text. Understanding

the geographical context allows us to appreciate the specific challenges faced by the

community in rebuilding the temple and their identity within the broader landscape of the

region.

Literary Context

Genre:

Prophetic Literature: Malachi falls within the prophetic tradition of the Hebrew

Bible. Prophets acted as God's messengers, delivering pronouncements of judgment and

hope.

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Literary Devices:

Disputation: A prominent feature in Malachi is the use of disputation, where God

presents an argument, the people respond with doubt or resistance, and God refutes them.

This creates a dynamic dialogue and emphasizes the importance of God's message.

Repetition: Key phrases and themes are repeated throughout the book to reinforce

Malachi's message and create a sense of urgency.

Questions: Rhetorical questions are used to challenge the audience and provoke

reflection on their actions and beliefs.

Themes:

Covenant: The central theme revolves around the broken covenant between God

and Israel. Malachi emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's

laws. Justice: The book critiques social injustices and calls for fair treatment of the poor

and marginalized. Temple Rituals: Malachi criticizes the negligence of proper temple

practices and rituals, highlighting the need for genuine devotion. Day of the Lord: The

text alludes to a coming "Day of the Lord," a time of judgment and restoration.

Intertextuality:

Malachi references and builds upon earlier biblical texts, particularly the Torah and

prophetic writings. This creates a sense of continuity and reinforces the ongoing

relevance of God's message.

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 Biblical Context

The Book of Malachi occupies a unique position within the biblical canon,

serving as the closing act of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and offering a bridge

between the prophetic tradition and the intertestamental period (the 400 years between

the Old and New Testaments). Here's how Malachi fits within the broader biblical

context:

Following the Prophets:

Malachi is considered the last of the minor prophets, a group of twelve prophetic

books known for their shorter length compared to major prophets like Isaiah or Jeremiah.

These prophets addressed social and religious issues within the Israelite community,

urging them to stay faithful to God's covenant. Malachi builds upon this tradition by

highlighting ongoing problems within Judah and calling for renewed devotion.

Themes in Continuity:

Malachi's central themes of covenant, justice, and the importance of proper

worship resonate with earlier prophetic works. Like prophets before him, Malachi

critiques social injustices, condemns idolatry, and emphasizes the importance of ethical

living alongside ritual practices.

A Bridge to the New Testament:

The book foreshadows themes that reappear in the New Testament. Malachi's

mention of a "messenger who will prepare the way" (Malachi 3:1) is seen as a precursor

to John the Baptist, who fulfills this role for Jesus Christ. Additionally, Malachi's

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emphasis on a coming judgment and restoration anticipates themes central to early

Christian beliefs.

Distinctive Voice:

While sharing themes with earlier prophets, Malachi has a distinct voice. His

message is delivered through a series of dialogues and rhetorical questions, creating a

dynamic and engaging style. He also focuses heavily on issues within the priesthood and

temple rituals, reflecting the specific concerns of his time.

Understanding the biblical context allows us to see Malachi as part of a larger

conversation within the Hebrew Bible. It sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by

the Israelites and the enduring importance of faithfulness to God.

Analyze the use of the passage elsewhere in the Scripture, the passage’s relation

to the rest of Scripture, and the passage’s import for understanding Scripture.

Theology

The Book of Malachi: Theological Contribution

The Book of Malachi, though brief, holds significant weight in shaping Jewish and

Christian theology. Here is a breakdown of its key theological contributions:

Emphasis on Covenant:

Malachi reignites the importance of the covenant relationship between God and

Israel. He critiques the people's neglect of their obligations under the covenant, urging

them to live faithfully according to God's laws. This emphasis on covenantal faithfulness

remains a cornerstone of both Judaism and Christianity.

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Ethics and Social Justice:

Malachi's pronouncements against social injustices like oppression of the poor,

widows, and orphans establish a strong connection between worship and ethical living.

He compels followers to translate their faith into action by advocating for the

marginalized. This focus on social justice continues to be a vital theological concept.

Nature of God:

Malachi portrays God as both loving and just. He highlights God's unwavering

love for Israel while also emphasizing God's role as a righteous judge who will hold

people accountable for their actions. This dual nature of God's character is a crucial

theological concept in both Judaism and Christianity.

Temple and Ritual:

While advocating for proper temple practices and rituals, Malachi also warns

against empty formalism. He emphasizes that outward expressions of devotion must be

accompanied by genuine faith and obedience. This focus on the importance of inner faith

alongside outward practices continues to be a point of theological discussion.

Day of the Lord:

Malachi alludes to a coming "Day of the Lord," a time of judgment and

restoration. This concept anticipates themes of eschatology (the study of the end times)

that are further developed in later biblical and theological writings.

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Bridge to the New Testament:

Malachi's prophecy of a coming messenger who prepares the way (Malachi 3:1) is

seen as a foreshadowing of John the Baptist. This connection bridges the gap between the

Old and New Testaments, suggesting continuity in God's plan for salvation.

Malachi's theological contribution lies in its emphasis on covenantal faithfulness,

social justice, the multifaceted nature of God, and the importance of genuine devotion. It

serves as a significant link between the prophetic tradition and the development of later

Jewish and Christian theological thought.

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 Application

Renewing Our Commitment:

Malachi's call for faithfulness to the covenant can be seen as a call to renew our
commitment to our own faith traditions or guiding principles. Whether religious or
secular, reflecting on the core values that guide our lives can help us live with greater
purpose and integrity.

Social Justice and Action:

The book's strong condemnation of social injustices compels us to advocate for

the marginalized and fight for a more just and equitable society. We can become involved
in social justice causes, support organizations working for the betterment of others, and
speak out against oppression in our own communities.

Authenticity in Faith:

Malachi's critique of empty rituals reminds us that outward expressions of faith

must be accompanied by genuine commitment and action. True devotion involves living
our values in our everyday lives, not just through specific rituals or practices.

Holding Institutions Accountable:

The book's criticism of the shortcomings of the priesthood can be seen as a call to
hold institutions accountable, whether religious or secular. We should critically examine
the actions of those in positions of power and advocate for reform when necessary.

Maintaining Hope:

Despite its pronouncements of judgment, Malachi also offers a message of hope.

The promise of a coming messenger and a day of restoration reminds us that even in
difficult times, there is always hope for renewal and positive change.

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Here are some additional ways to apply the Book of Malachi:

Personal reflection: Use Malachi's questions as prompts for personal reflection. Ask
yourself: Am I living up to my own values? Am I treating others with fairness and
compassion?

Group discussions: Facilitate discussions about social justice issues or the role of
institutions in society, drawing inspiration from Malachi's themes.

Interfaith dialogue: Engage in interfaith dialogue about shared values of justice,

compassion, and living a meaningful life.

By applying the timeless message of Malachi, we can strive to live more faithfully,
advocate for justice, and contribute to a better world.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the Book of Malachi, though short, stands as a powerful testament

to the enduring relevance of faith and social justice. It serves as a bridge between the

prophetic tradition and the New Testament, offering valuable theological insights that

continue to shape Jewish and Christian thought. By reminding us of our covenantal

obligations, urging us to fight for justice, and emphasizing the importance of genuine

devotion, Malachi's message resonates across the ages. As we grapple with challenges in

our own world, Malachi's call to action and his message of hope offer valuable guidance

for living a more faithful and impactful life.

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Collins, John J. Introduction to the Hebrew Bible. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2014.

Hill, Andrew E., and John H. Walton. A Survey of the Old Testament. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids:
Zondervan Academic, 2009.

Redditt, Paul L. An Introduction to the Prophets. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2015.

Stuart, Douglas. Old Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors. 4th ed.
Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2009.

Smith, Gary V. Interpreting the Prophetic Books: An Exegetical Handbook. Grand Rapids:
Kregel Academic, 2014.

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