A Reading From the Book of the Prophet Malachi
The Book of Malachi (or Malachias; מַלְאָכִ֔י , Malʾāḵī ) is the concluding book of the Neviim contained in the Tanakh, canonically the terminal of the Twelve Minor Prophets. In the Christian ordering, the group of the prophetic books is the last section of the Old Testament, making Malachi the final volume before the New Attestation.
The book is normally attributed to a prophet named Malachi, as its title has ofttimes been understood every bit a proper name, although its Hebrew significant is but "My Messenger" (the Septuagint reads "his messenger") and may not be the author's name at all. The name occurs in the superscription at 1:1 and in iii:one, although information technology is highly unlikely that the give-and-take refers to the same graphic symbol in both of these references. Thus, at that place is substantial contend regarding the identity of the book'southward writer. Ane of the Targums identifies Ezra (or Esdras) equally the writer of Malachi. Priest and Historian Jerome suggests that this may exist because Ezra is seen as an intermediary betwixt the prophets and the "great synagogue." There is, however, no historical evidence nonetheless to support this claim.
Some scholars annotation affinities between Zechariah 9–14 and the Book of Malachi. Zechariah ix, Zechariah 12, and Malachi 1 are all introduced equally The discussion of Elohim. Some scholars contend that this drove originally consisted of three contained and anonymous prophecies, two of which were subsequently appended to the Book of Zechariah equally what they refer to every bit Deutero-Zechariah, with the tertiary condign the Volume of Malachi. Every bit a consequence, most scholars consider the Book of Malachi to be the piece of work of a unmarried writer who may or may not have been identified past the title Malachi. The present sectionalization of the oracles results in a total of 12 books of small-scale prophets, a number parallelling the sons of Jacob who became the heads of the 12 Israelite tribes. The Cosmic Encyclopedia asserts, "We are no dubiety in presence of an abbreviation of the proper name Mál'akhîyah, that is Messenger of Elohim."
[edit]
Fiddling is known of the biography of the author of the Book of Malachi, although it has been suggested that he may take been Levitical. The books of Zechariah and Haggai were written during the lifetime of Ezra (run across five:1); mayhap this may explain the similarities in way.
Co-ordinate to the editors of the 1897 Easton's Bible Dictionary, some scholars believe the name "Malachi" is non a proper noun but rather an abbreviation of "messenger of Yah".[1] This reading could be based on Malachi 3:1, "Behold, I will send my messenger...", if my messenger (מַלְאָכִ֔י mal'āḵî) is taken literally as the name Malachi.[2]
Several scholars consider both Zechariah 9–fourteen and Malachi to be anonymous and were therefore placed at the terminate of the Volume of the Twelve.[two] Wellhausen, Abraham Kuenen, and Wilhelm Gustav Hermann Nowack argue that Malachi ane:one is a tardily addition, pointing to Zechariah 9:1 and 12:1.[ commendation needed ] However, other scholars, including the editors of the Catholic Encyclopedia, argue that the grammatical evidence leads usa to conclude that Malachi is in fact a name.[iii]
Another estimation of the authorship comes from the Septuagint superscription, ὲν χειρὶ ἀγγήλου αὐτοῦ (en cheiri angēlou autou, which tin be read equally either "past the hand of his messenger" or as "by the hand of his affections". The "angel" reading found an echo among the ancient Church Fathers and ecclesiastical writers, and even gave rise to the "strangest fancies", specially amidst the disciples of Origen of Alexandria.[three] [4]
Period [edit]
In that location are very few historical details in the Book of Malachi. The greatest inkling as to its dating may lie in the fact that the Persian-era term for governor (פַּח pehâ) is used in 1:viii. This points to a post-exilic (that is, after 538 BCE) date of composition both because of the employ of the Western farsi period term and considering Judah had a male monarch before the exile. Since, in the same poetry, the temple has been rebuilt, the book must also be after than 515 BC.[v] Malachi was apparently known to the author of Ecclesiasticus early on in the 2d century BC. Because of the development of themes in the volume of Malachi, most scholars assign it to a position afterwards Haggai and Zechariah,[half-dozen] [7] close to the time when Ezra and Nehemiah[7] came to Jerusalem in 445 BC.[8]
Aim [edit]
Israeli Westward Depository financial institution bulwark with quotation from Malachi ii:10: "Do nosotros not have one father? Has not one God created united states of america? Why does each of us act deceitfully, each human against his ain brother, to profane the covenant of our ancestors?"
The Book of Malachi was written to correct the lax religious and social behaviour of the Israelites – peculiarly the priests – in post-exilic Jerusalem. Although the prophets urged the people of Judah and State of israel to meet their exile equally punishment for failing to uphold their covenant with God, information technology was not long after they had been restored to the land and to Temple worship that the people's commitment to their God began, one time once again, to wane. It was in this context that the prophet commonly referred to as Malachi delivered his prophecy.
In 1:2, Malachi has the people of Israel question God's honey for them. This introduction to the book illustrates the severity of the state of affairs which Malachi addresses. The graveness of the situation is also indicated by the dialectical way with which Malachi confronts his audition. Malachi proceeds to accuse his audience of failing to respect God equally God deserves. 1 mode in which this disrespect is made manifest is through the substandard sacrifices which Malachi claims are being offered by the priests. While God demands animals that are "without blemish" (Leviticus 1:iii, NRSV), the priests, who were "to determine whether the beast was acceptable" (Bricklayer 143), were offering blind, lame and sick animals for sacrifice because they idea nobody would discover.
In 2:one, Malachi states Yahweh Sabaoth is sending a curse on the priests who have not honored him with appropriate animal sacrifices: "At present, watch how I am going to paralyze your arm and throw dung in your face--the dung from your very solemnities--and sweep you away with information technology. Then you shall learn that it is I who take given yous this warning of my intention to abolish my covenant with Levi, says Yahweh Sabaoth."
In 2:10, Malachi addresses the outcome of divorce. On this topic, Malachi deals with divorce both as a social problem ("Why then are we faithless to i some other ... ?" two:10) and as a religious problem ("Judah ... has married the girl of a foreign god" ii:xi). In dissimilarity to the book of Ezra, Malachi urges each to remain steadfast to the wife of his youth.
Malachi likewise criticizes his audience for questioning God's justice. He reminds them that God is just, exhorting them to be faithful as they await that justice. Malachi apace goes on to point out that the people take non been true-blue. In fact, the people are not giving God all that God deserves. But equally the priests have been offering unacceptable sacrifices, so the people have been neglecting to offer their full tithe to God. The outcome of these shortcomings is that the people come to believe that no adept comes out of serving God.
Malachi assures the faithful amidst his audience that in the eschaton, the differences between those who served God faithfully and those who did not will become articulate. The volume concludes past calling upon the teachings of Moses and past promising that Elijah volition return prior to the Day of Yahweh.
Interpretations [edit]
The book of Malachi is divided into three chapters in the Hebrew Bible and the Greek Septuagint and four chapters in the Latin Vulgate. The 4th chapter in the Vulgate consists of the residuum of the third chapter starting at verse three:19.
Christianity [edit]
The New Revised Standard Version of the Bible supplies headings for the book as follows:
| Verse Reference | Heading |
|---|---|
| one:1 | (Superscription) |
| 1:2–two:nine | Israel Preferred to Edom |
| 2:x–17 | The Covenant Profaned by Judah |
| 3:1–7 | The Coming Messenger |
| 3:viii–xviii | Practise Non Rob God |
| iv:ane–5 (3:19–24 in Hebrew) | The Neat 24-hour interval of the Lord |
The bulk of scholars consider the volume to be fabricated up of six distinct oracles. According to this scheme, the book of Malachi consists of a series of disputes between Yahweh and the various groups within the Israelite customs. In the course of the book's three or four chapters, Yahweh is vindicated while those who practise non attach to the law of Moses are condemned. Some scholars take suggested that the book, as a whole, is structured along the lines of a judicial trial, a suzerain treaty or a covenant—one of the major themes throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. Implicit in the prophet's condemnation of Israel's religious practices is a call to go along Yahweh's statutes.
The Book of Malachi draws upon various themes plant in other books of the Bible. Malachi appeals to the rivalry between Jacob and Esau and of Yahweh's preference for Jacob contained in Book of Genesis 25–28. Malachi reminds his audience that, as descendants of Jacob (Israel), they accept been and continue to be favoured by God as God's chosen people. In the 2nd dispute, Malachi draws upon the Levitical Lawmaking (east.yard. Leviticus i:3) in condemning the priest for offering unacceptable sacrifices.
In the third dispute (concerning divorce), the author of the Book of Malachi likely intends his statement to be understood on two levels. Malachi appears to be attacking either the practice of divorcing Jewish wives in favour of foreign ones (a practice which Ezra vehemently condemns) or, alternatively, Malachi could be condemning the practice of divorcing foreign wives in favour of Jewish wives (a practice which Ezra promoted). Malachi appears adamant that nationality is not a valid reason to stop a marriage, "For I hate divorce, says the Lord . . ." (2:16).
In many places throughout the Hebrew Scriptures – particularly the Book of Hosea – Israel is figured every bit Yahweh's wife or helpmate. Malachi's discussion of divorce may also be understood to conform to this metaphor. Malachi could very well be urging his audience not to interruption faith with Yahweh (the God of Israel) by adopting new gods or idols. It is quite probable that, since the people of Judah were questioning Yahweh'southward beloved and justice (1:2, 2:17), they might be tempted to prefer strange gods. William LaSor suggests that, because the restoration to the land of Judah had non resulted in anything like the prophesied splendor of the messianic historic period which had been prophesied, the people were condign quite disillusioned with their religion.
Indeed, the 4th dispute asserts that judgment is coming in the form of a messenger who "is like refiner's fire and similar fullers' soap . . ." (3:2). Following this, the prophet provides some other example of wrongdoing in the fifth dispute – that is, declining to offer full tithes. In this discussion, Malachi has Yahweh asking the people to "Bring the full tithe . . . [and] see if I volition non open the windows of heaven for you and pour down on you an alluvion blessing" (3:10). This request offers the opportunity for the people to amend their ways. It also stresses that keeping the Lord's statutes volition not but allow the people to avert God'southward wrath, but will also pb to God'south blessing. In the sixth dispute, the people of Israel illustrate the extent of their disillusionment. Malachi has them say "'It is vain to serve God . . . At present we count the arrogant happy; evildoers not only prosper, just when they put God to the examination they escape'" (3:14–fifteen). Once again, Malachi has Yahweh assure the people that the wicked will be punished and the faithful will be rewarded.
In the light of what Malachi understands to exist an imminent judgment, he exhorts his audience to "Retrieve the didactics of my servant Moses, that statutes and ordinances that I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel" (4:four; 3:22, MT). Before the Day of the Lord, Malachi declares that Elijah (who "ascended in a whirlwind into heaven . . . [,]" two Kings 2:11) volition render to globe in order that people might follow in God's means.
Primarily considering of its messianic promise, the Volume of Malachi is ofttimes referred to in the Christian New Testament. What follows is a cursory comparison between the Book of Malachi and the New Testament texts which refer to it (every bit suggested in Hill 84–88).
Quotation from Malachi 3:1 in an Austrian church: "The Lord shall come to his temple."
| Malachi | New Testament |
|---|---|
| "Notwithstanding I have loved Jacob just I take hated Esau" (1:ii–iii) | "'I have loved Jacob, just I take hated Esau.'" (Romans 9:thirteen) |
| "And if I am a main, where is the respect due me?" (i:half dozen) | "Why do you lot call me "Lord, Lord,' and exercise not exercise what I tell yous?" (Luke 6:46) |
| "the table of YHWH" (ane:vii,12) | "the tabular array of the Lord" (1 Corinthians x:21) |
| "For from the ascension of the sun to its setting my proper name is great among the nations," (1:11) | "then that the name of our Lord Jesus may exist glorified in you" (ii Thessalonians 1:12) |
| "Lord, who volition not fear and glorify your proper name?" (Revelation fifteen:4) | |
| "For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek educational activity from his oral fissure, for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. Merely you have turned aside from the way; you lot take caused many to stumble past your didactics; you accept corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the Lord of hosts," (ii:7–viii) | "therefore, do whatsoever they teach you and follow information technology; but do not do as they do, for they exercise non exercise what they teach" (Matthew 23:3) |
| "Have we not all one father?" (2:10) | "yet for united states there is i God, the Father" (1 Corinthians viii:6) |
| "See, I am sending my messenger to ready the fashion before me" (iii:i) | "See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way" (Marking 1:2) |
| "See, I am sending my messenger ahead of y'all, who will set up your style earlier you" (Matthew 11:10†, Luke 7:27) | |
| "But who can endure the twenty-four hours of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?" (three:2) | "for the slap-up day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" (Revelation 6:17) |
| "and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gilt and silver" (3:iii) | "and then that the genuineness of your faith . . . being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested past fire . . ." (1 Peter 1:7) |
| "against those who oppress the hired workers in their wages" (3:five) | "Listen! The wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud" (James v:4) |
| "For I, Jehovah, change not;" (3:vi) | "Jesus Christ is the aforementioned yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:viii) |
| "Render to me, and I volition render to you," (3:seven) | "Describe most to God, and he will draw nigh to you lot" (James four:8) |
| "But for y'all who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise," (4:2) | "Past the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will suspension upon united states of america," (Luke ane:78) |
| "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet earlier the great and terrible day of Jehovah come up." (iv:5) | "he is Elijah who is to come up." (Matthew 11:14) |
| "Elijah has already come," (Matthew 17:12) | |
| "Elijah has come," (Mark 9:13) | |
| "Behold, I volition transport you Elijah the prophet earlier the great and terrible solar day of Jehovah come. And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers; lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." (4:5–6) | "With the spirit and power of Elijah he will get before him, to plow the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous," (Luke i:17) |
Although many Christians believe that the messianic prophecies of the Book of Malachi have been fulfilled in the life, ministry building, transfiguration, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, most Jews proceed to await the coming of the prophet Elijah who volition prepare the manner for the Lord.
References [edit]
- ^ Malachi at the Easton's Bible Lexicon
- ^ a b Eissfeldt, Otto (1965). The Former Testament: An Introduction. Oxford: Basil Blackwell. p. 440.
- ^ a b A. VAN HOONACKER, "Malachias" Archived July 8, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, The Original Catholic Encyclopedia, retrieved 12 Feb 2011.
- ^ Prefaces to the Commentaries on the Minor Prophets., Jerome, 406: Origen and his followers believe that (according to his proper name) he was an affections. But we reject this view altogether, lest we be compelled to accept the doctrine of the fall of souls from heaven.
- ^ LaSor, William Sanford; Hubbard, David Allan; Bush, Frederic William; Allen, Leslie C. (3 Sep 1996). Old Testament Survey: The Message, Form, and Background of the Old Testament. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. p. 415. ISBN9780802837882.
- ^ "Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi: Back in the Land | My Jewish Learning". My Jewish Learning . Retrieved 2018-05-x .
- ^ a b "Malachi | התנך". www.hatanakh.com . Retrieved 2018-05-10 .
- ^ Cheyne, T. One thousand. (1899). "The Times of Nehemiah and Ezra". The Biblical World. xiv (4): 238–250. doi:10.1086/472543. JSTOR 3137145.
External links [edit]
- New American Bible
- 21st Century KJV
- NIRV
- Malachi at Chabad.org
-
Malachi public domain audiobook at LibriVox Various versions
-
Bibliography [edit]
- Hill, Andrew E. Malachi: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. The Ballast Bible Volume 25D. Toronto: Doubleday, 1998.
- LaSor, William Sanford et al. Former Attestation Survey: the Message, Grade, and Background of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1996.
- Mason, Male monarch. The Books of Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. The Cambridge Bible Commentary on the New English Bible. New York, Cambridge University Press, 1977.
- Vocalist, Isidore & Adolf Guttmacher. "Book of Malachi." JewishEncyclopedia.com. 2002.
- Van Hoonacker, A. "Malachias (Malachi)." Catholic Encyclopedia. Transcribed by Thomas J. Bress. 2003.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Malachi
0 Response to "A Reading From the Book of the Prophet Malachi"
Post a Comment