Malaquias 4

Malaquias 4

MALACHI 3 MALACHI COMMENTARIES THE ORACLE OF THE WORD OF JEHOVAH THROUGH MALACHI (Malachi 1:1) (Malachi means "My Messenger" or "Messenger of Jehovah") Click for EXCELLENT TIMELINE - Go to Page 42 Mal 1:6-2:9 Mal 2:10-3:15 Mal 3:16-4:3 Love of God for Israel Rejected! Rebuke of Sins of Priests: Illicit Practices Indifference Rebuke of Sins of People: Mixed Marriages Divorces Robbing God Blessing to All Who Fear Jehovah God's Wrath on the Wicked Remember the Law Promise of... Elijah, Restore Hearts Warning of… Day of the Lord PRIVILEGE OF ISRAEL POLLUTION OF ISRAEL PROMISE TO ISRAEL PAST CARE PRESENT COMPLAINT FUTURE COMING (See also Mal 3:1-6) GOD'S COMPASSION for Israel GOD'S COMPLAINT Against Israel GOD'S CONSOLATION to Righteous Remnant GOD'S CONDEMNATION of Wicked Book of Remembrance Coming of Messiah Coming of Elijah GOD'S LOVE SADLY SPURNED! GOD'S GRACE STILL OFFERED! PLACE: JERUSALEM TIME OF WRITING: Difficult to Date but… Circa 445-420BC NOTE: Note that in the Hebrew Bible (and even the Septuagint (Lxx) chapter 4 is treated as a continuation of Malachi 3, so that Malachi 4:1 is labeled Malachi 3:19, etc. Note also that the last verse in most English Bibles (Malachi 4:6) is transposed in the Hebrew version, so that the last verse in the Hebrew version, Malachi 3:24 is not Malachi 4:6! Some explain that the Hebrew scribes did not want to end the OT with the word "curse!" MacKay adds - In the Hebrew text there is no chapter division here, and 4:1–6 are counted as 3:19–24. In many respects this is preferable, because there is no break in thought between Mal 3:18 and 4:1. Eugene Merrill - Restoration through YHWH (3:22-24 [EB 4:4-6]) Many scholars, following the Greek version, place v. 22 after vv. 23–24, presumably to allow the book to end on a more positive note (see Introduction, pp. 385–86). Others argue that vv. 23–24 are an addition to the original composition, the uncomfortable juxtaposition between vv. 22 and 23 and the unexpected reintroduction of the “Day of YHWH” theme being principal reasons. The MT tradition knows nothing but the present arrangement, however. (Malachi Commentary recommended) Remember that all the OT writings are of value to our spiritual life and growth, Paul writing… For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction (teaching), that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures (Refers here to the entire OT) we might have hope. (Ro 15:4) Comment - Here is my "loose paraphrase" of this passage: Malachi was written for our instruction that thru the perseverance and the encouragement of the God of Malachi the thoughts and actions of Israel in Malachi we too might have hope in the midst of our trying circumstances. (Real Life Version) Corollary - If you don't believe the Bible (and if you don't read and study the OT) you will be hurting for hope and confidence in the future. Ray