Malachi, Prophecies of: The contents of the book are comprised in four chapters. In the Hebrew
text the third and fourth chapters (of the A.V.) form but one. The
whole consists of three sections, preceded by an introduction
(Malachi 1:1-5)
in which the prophet reminds Israel of Jehovah's love to them.
1. The first section
(Malachi 1:6-14; 2:1-9) contains a stern rebuke
addressed to the priests who had despised the name of Jehovah, and
been leaders in a departure from his worship and from the covenant,
and for their partiality in administering the law.
2. In the second
(Malachi 2:9-16) the people are rebuked for their
intermarriages with idolatrous heathen.
3. In the third
(Malachi 2:17-4:6) he addresses the people as a whole,
and warns them of the coming of the God of judgment, preceded by
the advent of the Messiah.
This book is frequently referred to in the New Testament
(Matthew 11:10)
(Matthew 17:12; Mark 1:2; 9:11,12; Luke 1:17; Romans 9:13)
