Malachi – The Final Prophet of the Old Testament

Malachi was a prophet of God, just like others such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Samuel, and Daniel. However, unlike these prophets, Scripture gives us very little personal detail about Malachi’s life. His name only appears in the book that bears his name, and nowhere else in the Bible.

He is known as the last prophet of the Old Testament, and the Book of Malachi, written around 441–400 B.C., is the final book in the Old Testament. Though short — with just four chapters — it contains deep and powerful messages from God to His people.

Was Malachi Really the Last Prophet?

Saying Malachi was the “last prophet” doesn’t mean no other prophets ever came after him. During the 400 years between Malachi and the New Testament (called the intertestamental period), other people may have claimed to speak for God. However, the Holy Spirit did not authorize their words to be part of the inspired Scriptures (2 Peter 1:20–21).

2 Peter 1:21
“For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

Any writings not included in the Old Testament canon are not inspired by God, and trying to give them equal authority is spiritually dangerous. This can open the door for deception and confusion (Revelation 22:18–19).

Therefore, Malachi’s book marks the close of the Old Testament. All later additions are considered non-canonical (not divinely inspired).

Malachi’s Prophecy About Elijah

One of the most unique revelations Malachi received was the prophecy about the return of Elijah before the great judgment day of the Lord:

Malachi 4:5–6
“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers,
Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”

This prophecy was fulfilled in John the Baptist, who came in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus the Messiah:

Matthew 17:11–13
Jesus answered and said to them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things.
But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished.
Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.”
Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.

This fulfillment shows how God uses prophetic symbols and forerunners in redemptive history, leading to Christ’s first coming and preparing us for His return.

Malachi’s Message About Tithing

Malachi also received one of the clearest revelations in the Bible about tithing and offerings. God accuses the people of robbing Him by withholding what belongs to Him:

Malachi 3:8–10
“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.
You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation.
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it.”

Here, God invites His people to test His faithfulness, promising to bless those who give in obedience (see also 2 Corinthians 9:6–8).

God’s Emotions and Values Revealed

Malachi also reveals God’s emotional response to His people’s behavior. Through him, God exposes attitudes and actions that offend or grieve His heart, even when people are unaware of it.

1. God Hates Divorce

Malachi 2:16
“For the Lord God of Israel says
That He hates divorce,
For it covers one’s garment with violence,”
Says the Lord of hosts.

This shows God’s view of marriage as a sacred covenant, not something to break lightly (see also Matthew 19:6).

2. God Is Weary of Empty Words

Malachi 2:17
“You have wearied the Lord with your words;
Yet you say,
‘In what way have we wearied Him?’
In that you say,
‘Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord,
And He delights in them,’
Or, ‘Where is the God of justice?’”

God is grieved when people distort justice or question His character, calling evil good and ignoring accountability (see Isaiah 5:20).

3. God Hears Our Complaints

Malachi 3:13–14
“Your words have been harsh against Me,” says the Lord,
“Yet you say,
‘What have we spoken against You?’
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?’”

Some people were discouraged and cynical, thinking serving God had no reward. But God warns us not to speak faithless words, especially in hard times.

God Remembers the Faithful

In contrast, God honors those who fear Him and speak rightly about Him. Their names are written in His Book of Remembrance:

Malachi 3:16–17
Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another,
And the Lord listened and heard them;
So a book of remembrance was written before Him
For those who fear the Lord
And who meditate on His name.
“They shall be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts,
“On the day that I make them My jewels.”

This is a reminder that God is not unjust to forget our work (Hebrews 6:10). Every act of faith and every word of reverence is precious to Him.

God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). Though the Book of Malachi is short, it contains powerful spiritual lessons about faithfulness, reverence, stewardship, marriage, and God’s judgment.

If we take time to read it prayerfully — inviting the Holy Spirit to teach us — we will gain much that will build us up and help the Church of Christ.

Malachi – The Final Prophet of the Old Testament