The Book of Malachi is a canonical text found in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is a prophetic book attributed to the prophet Malachi, whose name translates to "my messenger" or "messenger of Yahweh." This book is believed to be the last of the twelve minor prophets in the Hebrew Bible.
The Book of Malachi is comprised of a series of oracles, sermons, or disputes that Malachi delivers to the Israelites during a time of spiritual decline and social disintegration in Jerusalem. The content of the book mainly focuses on the failures of the Israelite community to adhere to religious rituals, ethical principles, and moral standards.
The book is divided into three chapters, covering a range of topics including priesthood, divorce, intermarriage, tithing, and the coming of an eschatological messenger. Malachi's prophecies often take the form of a dialogue, with the prophet posing questions to Yahweh and the Lord responding through his priestly messenger.
The Book of Malachi emphasizes the need for religious reform, calling for a return to pure worship and faithfulness to the Mosaic laws. In addition to addressing the current issues facing Israel, the book also contains Messianic prophecies, foretelling the arrival of a future messenger who will prepare the way for the coming of the Lord.
Overall, the Book of Malachi provides a prophetic critique of the Israelites' spiritual and moral decline, while also offering messages of hope for restoration and a promise of future redemption.
