Malachi The Last Prophet of the Old Testament

Malachi (meaning "my messenger") was the last prophet of the Old Testament, ministering around 450-430 BC during the post-exilic period in Jerusalem. Writing about 100 years after the temple was rebuilt, he confronted a spiritually apathetic people who were offering blemished sacrifices, withholding tithes, divorcing their wives, and intermarrying with pagans. Through a series of disputations with God, Malachi called for genuine worship and faithfulness. His book closes with the promise of Elijah's return before the great day of the Lord, a prophecy fulfilled in John the Baptist. After Malachi, 400 years of prophetic silence followed until the New Testament era.

1. Ministryc. 460-430 BC

   Malachi confronts spiritual complacency in the post-exilic community.

   MAL 1:1