QUESTION AND ANSWER PROPHET
Who Was Malachi the Prophet?
Malachi was a prophet who ministered to the people of Israel after their return from the Babylonian exile, during the period of Nehemiah's reforms. His name means "my messenger," and his writings reflect the concerns of post-exilic Israel. He addressed the spiritual apathy and moral laxity of the people, calling them back to faithfulness and proper worship of God.
To Whom Was He Writing and Prophesying?
Malachi was writing to the Israelites who had returned to Jerusalem and were rebuilding their lives and their worship practices. His prophecies were directed towards the priests and the people, highlighting their failures and urging them to restore their covenant relationship with God.
Malachi's Questions and Answers
Malachi employs a series of questions posed by God and responses from the people, followed by God's correction. Let's examine these scriptures and the commentaries from Dr. Scofield, Dr. McGee, and John MacArthur.
1. Malachi 1:6
Scripture:
"A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a Master, where is My reverence? Says the Lord of hosts to you priests who despise My name. Yet you say, 'In what way have we despised Your name?'"
Commentary:
Dr. Scofield: Scofield notes that this verse underscores the hypocrisy of the priests who failed to honor God despite their religious positions.
Dr. McGee: McGee emphasizes the relational aspect of honor, pointing out that the priests' failure to honor God as Father and Master reflects a deep spiritual disconnect.
John MacArthur: MacArthur highlights the serious accusation against the priests, noting that their contempt for God's name is evident in their actions and attitudes.
2. Malachi 1:8
Scripture:
"And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice, is it not evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? Offer it then to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you favorably? Says the Lord of hosts."
Commentary:
Dr. Scofield: Scofield points out the stark contrast between the offerings given to God and those that would be deemed unacceptable by human authorities.
Dr. McGee: McGee comments on the disrespect shown to God by offering inferior sacrifices, likening it to a lack of reverence and devotion.
John MacArthur: MacArthur discusses the Levitical laws regarding proper sacrifices, noting that the priests' neglect of these laws reflects their disregard for God's holiness.
3. Malachi 1:13
Scripture:
"You also say, 'Oh, what a weariness!' And you sneer at it, says the Lord of hosts. And you bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick; thus you bring an offering! Should I accept this from your hand? Says the Lord."
Commentary:
Dr. Scofield: Scofield highlights the priests' attitude of weariness towards their duties, indicating a loss of devotion and reverence.
Dr. McGee: McGee stresses the ingratitude and lack of enthusiasm in worship, noting how it dishonors God.
John MacArthur: MacArthur emphasizes that the priests' actions reveal a heart that is far from God, as they prioritize convenience over proper worship.
4. Malachi 3:7
Scripture:
"Yet from the days of your fathers you have gone away from My ordinances and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. But you said, 'In what way shall we return?'"
Commentary:
Dr. Scofield: Scofield comments on the historical pattern of disobedience and calls for repentance.
Dr. McGee: McGee points out the need for genuine repentance and a return to God's ways.
John MacArthur: MacArthur emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and His people, noting the call to return to covenant faithfulness.
5. Malachi 3:8
Scripture:
"Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings."
Commentary:
Dr. Scofield: Scofield discusses the importance of tithes and offerings as an expression of worship and obedience.
Dr. McGee: McGee explains that withholding tithes is an act of dishonoring God and reflects a heart that is not fully devoted.
John MacArthur: MacArthur focuses on the principle of stewardship and the responsibility to honor God with our resources.
6. Malachi 3:14
Scripture:
*"You have said, 'It is useless to serve God; what profit is it that we have kept His ordinance, and that we have walked as mourners before the Lord of hosts?'"
Commentary:
Dr. Scofield: Scofield notes the people's cynical attitude towards serving God, highlighting their lack of faith.
Dr. McGee: McGee points out that this attitude reflects a misunderstanding of the nature of true service to God.
John MacArthur: MacArthur emphasizes that true service to God is not about immediate rewards but about faithfulness and obedience.
Conclusion
Malachi's questions and answers serve as a poignant reminder of God's omniscience and His desire for genuine relationship with His people. By asking questions, God invites His people to self-examine and reflect on their actions and attitudes. This approach reveals the depth of God's patience and His willingness to engage with His people, even when they falter.
The divinity of God is evident in His omniscience—He knows the answers even before asking the questions. Yet, He engages His people in dialogue to help them recognize their shortcomings and return to Him. This relational dynamic highlights God's grace, love, and desire for His people's faithfulness.
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