Malachi: A “Small but Terrible” Prophetic Book of Christmas

by Fr. Randy Flores, SVD

December 23 Simbang Gabi

Reading 1, Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24; Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14; Gospel, Luke 1:57-66

The Book of Malachi, though one of the shortest in the Bible, delivers a message of immense power and significance. As the final prophetic book of the Old Testament in the Christian canon, it serves as a bridge between the silence of the intertestamental period and the dawn of the New Testament with the coming of Christ.

The name Malachi, meaning “my messenger,” is not necessarily a personal name but rather a title reflecting the book’s central theme: delivering God’s message to a wayward people. Written during the Persian Period, Malachi addresses critical spiritual and social issues of the time, particularly focusing on the priesthood, authentic worship, and covenant fidelity.

AI mage of a nativity scene inspired by the Book of Malachi, incorporating Moses and Elijah alongside the Holy Family, emphasizing themes of prophecy and preparation.

The book’s calls for repentance, justice, and faithfulness challenge its audience to return to God and prepare for His coming. In the Advent season, Malachi’s prophecy of the "messenger who prepares the way" (Mal 3:1) takes on new significance. It invites us to ready our hearts for the birth of the Savior, making this seemingly small book a profound herald of Christmas.

The Book of Malachi occupies a pivotal place in the Hebrew Bible as the final prophetic book, serving as both a conclusion to the prophetic tradition and a bridge to the New Testament. Malachi, which means “my messenger,” is not a personal name but rather a designation that reflects the central theme of the book: delivering God’s message to a wayward people. Set during the Persian Period, this book addresses the spiritual and social issues of the time, particularly focusing on the priesthood, worship, and covenant fidelity.

Historical Context and Structure

Malachi was likely written before the mission of Nehemiah in 445 B.C., during a period when the Second Temple had been completed (515 B.C.), but the fervor for proper worship and devotion had waned. The book reflects a time of Persian governance, as evidenced by the mention of a “governor” (PECHAH), and it critiques the religious and social leaders for their failures. The Hebrew Bible and NABRE divide Malachi into three chapters, whereas other translations, such as the NRSV, include four chapters. This analysis follows the NABRE numbering, where chapter 4 corresponds to 3:19–24.

The structure of Malachi is built around a series of disputations between God and His people, often introduced by rhetorical questions. These disputations reveal the strained relationship between the Israelites and their covenantal obligations. The book begins with a prologue (1:1) and ends with an epilogue containing two postscripts (3:22–24). In between, six major themes emerge, addressing God’s love for Israel, the critique of the priesthood, covenant fidelity, divine justice, proper worship, and the need for repentance.

Key Themes and Messages

God's Love for Israel

The book opens with a declaration of God’s enduring love for Israel. Despite the people’s doubts, God reaffirms His choice of Jacob over Esau as evidence of His preferential love (1:2–5). This theme underscores the foundation of the covenant: a relationship rooted in divine election and faithfulness.

Critique of the Priesthood

One of Malachi’s longest disputations (1:6—2:9) targets the priests, accusing them of despising God’s name by offering polluted sacrifices. God laments, “A son honors his father, and servants their master. If then I am a father, where is the honor due me?” (1:6). The priests’ offerings—sick, lame, or stolen animals—violate the sanctity of worship and reflect their disregard for their sacred duties. This corruption leads to divine curses: blessings are revoked, the doors of the temple are shut, and God’s name is glorified elsewhere (1:11). The priests’ failure to uphold knowledge and teach the Torah (2:6–8) causes many to stumble, further degrading the covenant of Levi.

Covenant Fidelity and Marriage

Malachi’s critique extends to the people’s personal lives, particularly their unfaithfulness in marriage (2:10–16). God declares, “I hate divorce” (2:16), condemning the practice of breaking faith with the “wife of your youth.” Marriage is presented as a covenant, witnessed by God Himself, who does not change. This perspective elevates marriage beyond a mere contract to a sacred bond reflecting the origins of creation in Genesis. Divorce, as portrayed in Malachi, profanes not only the marital bond but also the temple itself.

Divine Justice and Worship

The people’s cry, “Where is the God of Justice?” (2:17), reflects their disillusionment with God’s perceived inaction. In response, Malachi emphasizes the connection between proper worship and divine blessings (3:6–12). God calls for the faithful offering of tithes and contributions, promising abundant blessings in return: “Bring the whole tithe... See if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing” (3:10). This passage resonates with the Gospel message in Luke 6:38, “Give and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over.”

Call to Repentance

God’s plea, “Return to me, that I may return to you” (3:7), encapsulates the overarching call to repentance. The people’s failure to honor God through tithes and offerings is equated with robbing God Himself. Yet, even in His rebuke, God offers hope for restoration and blessings if they turn back to Him.

Postscripts: Moses and Elijah

The book concludes with two postscripts that anchor Malachi’s message in the broader biblical narrative. The first postscript (3:22) recalls the Torah, urging the people to remember the statutes and ordinances given to Moses at Horeb. The second postscript (3:23–24) looks forward to the coming of Elijah, who will prepare the way for the “great and terrible day of the Lord.” This dual focus on Moses and Elijah symbolizes the continuity of the Law and the Prophets, past and future, and is echoed in the New Testament at the Transfiguration of Jesus.

Conclusion

The Book of Malachi serves as a profound reflection on covenant faithfulness, addressing both the failures and the hopes of the post-exilic community. Through its sharp critiques and hopeful promises, Malachi calls the people to renewed devotion, integrity, and trust in God’s unchanging love. The interplay between past and future, as embodied by Moses and Elijah, underscores the timeless relevance of Malachi’s message. As the prophetic voice that closes the Old Testament, Malachi sets the stage for the fulfillment of God’s promises in the New Testament.

The Book of Malachi serves as a profound reflection on covenant faithfulness, addressing both the failures and the hopes of the post-exilic community. Through its sharp critiques and hopeful promises, Malachi calls the people to renewed devotion, integrity, and trust in God’s unchanging love. The interplay between past and future, as embodied by Moses and Elijah, underscores the timeless relevance of Malachi’s message. As the prophetic voice that closes the Hebrew Bible, Malachi sets the stage for the fulfillment of God’s promises in the New Testament.

In the spirit of Christmas, Malachi’s message resonates with themes of hope and renewal. The anticipation of Elijah’s coming reflects the advent of divine intervention, echoing the birth of Christ as a fulfillment of God’s promises. Just as the people of Malachi’s time were called to prepare for the Lord’s arrival, so too does the season of Christmas invite believers to reflect on God’s enduring love and the hope of salvation. Malachi’s call for repentance and faithfulness reminds us of the transformative power of hope, a message that shines brightly in the celebration of Christ’s birth.