Haggai,
Zechariah, Malachi – Back from Exile
·
The
parallels between Nehemiah and Malachi indicate that we've now moved on about
80 years. Note the sins that the Israelites are getting mixed up in again.
Remember at the beginning of Haggai, the people had returned full of
enthusiasm, but quickly lapsed into discouraged inaction. Much the same is
happening in Malachi.
·
We
see the word "oracle" again. God is not happy, and the first two
chapters are unique. There are a series of accusations against Israel, and
Israel tries to defend itself, and after each defense, God replies and explains
how weak those attempts are at justifying sins
·
God
begins by saying "I love you" (that says a lot!) But the people have
the nerve to answer "How have you loved us?" ! (Mal. 1:2)
·
In
v. 3-5, God didn't really "hate" Esau, just the love for Israel was
so strong in comparison (cf. Luke 14:26, Rom. 9:10-13) note Esau/Edom did
reject God and paid for it
·
Next,
Israel showed contempt for God. How? See v. 7-14. Israel was insulting God with
their sacrifices (see Dt. 15:21) v. 11 is a glimpse of the End Times. v. 13
must have hurt God
·
v.14
says they would be cursed for their crummy sacrifices. Remember what that
means?
·
Ch.
2 describes how the priesthood had become corrupt. Remember Ezekiel said this
was one of the reasons for the Exile! v. 7,8 describes a very serious sin (see
Luke 17:1-2)
·
v.
9 says they were showing partiality in the law. Justice cannot be served that
way!
·
Next
sin, people were divorcing their wives and marrying heathen women! (v. 10-16)
God said long ago to avoid that (Dt. 7:3,4; Lev. 18)
·
In
v. 17, they ask "Where is the God of justice?" which wearied God.
3:1-5 is the answer to that question!
·
A
messenger will come (quoted in Mk 1:2 and Luke 7:27; see also Isa. 40:3) Read
Gal. 4:4
·
Why
was John sent to prepare the way? To remind people of their need for repentance
(see Matt. 3:9, the Pharisees didn't think they needed to repent!)
·
v.
2-4 are another glimpse ahead to End Times. v. 5 shows how special people are
to God
·
In
v. 10, apparently people were just making a pretense of tithing, bringing only
part of it. God says bring all of it
·
In
v. 14-15, the thought is similar to 2:17. People saw the wicked prospering and
questioned it. That is similar to Psalms 37 and 94 (37:11 says meek are those
who follow the Lord). Note God says it angers him when we wonder if it is worth
it to serve God, and if we value what the world has (see 3:13-15). God will
deal with the wicked! (like Zech. 1:15)
·
v.
5,6 mention Elijah. See Matt. 17:10, and Luke 1:17. The reference to Elijah is
used to refer to John the Baptist, probably because Elijah also came to call
for repentance
Thank
you for a great class!
