MALACHI 1:1–10; 4:5–6
Ezra and Nehemiah describe the final historic acts of the Old Testament, allowing Israel to return from exile and resettle in Jerusalem. The City of David was repopulated with Hebrew families, a new temple was built, and the wall was repaired.
Malachi concludes the Old Testament by expressing God’s love for Israel. The people of Israel respond, “Wherein hast thou loved us?” (1:2).
The history of God’s faithfulness to His chosen people is remarkable, but after hundreds of years of providing in both miraculous and mundane ways, they wonder how He demonstrated His love. Malachi reminds them of their unfaithfulness, highlighting their long history of provision, disobedience, and discipline.
The prophet in Malachi 4:5–6 shows a new way for salvation, with hope for a Saviour who would demonstrate love and pay the penalty for sin once and for all.
That Saviour has arrived, in fact! Jesus has made the hope of Malachi a reality.
