Lesson 1: Unacceptable Sacrifices

Scripture to Read: Malachi 1:114

The prophecy of Malachi may have been the last revelation from God historically in what we call the canon of Scripture. But unlike the English Bible, Malachi is not the final book in the Hebrew Bible. Indeed, it occurs before such books as the Psalms, Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. This is because the divisions of the Hebrew Bible are the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings, which include a number of books not considered to be prophets. Malachi bears similarities to other Hebrew prophets in that he had a message both of judgment and hope for the people of Israel. The prophet wrote about 450430 BCE, or 100 years after the exiles’ first return from Babylon in 538. The Temple was complete and worship had been re-established—yet life was hard as the people experienced problems such as foreign political domination and poor harvests.

The reason soon became apparent as God entered into dialogue with His people. There are over twenty questions asked in Malachi, some by God Himself and others by the people as they sought to excuse themselves. We see this in the opening of Malachi’s oracle, when Israel questioned God’s love. God answered with a clear statement of His electing, covenant love that chose Jacob over Esau. Given this reality, the lack of honor being shown to His name by Israel’s indifferent approach to sacrifice and worship was indefensible. Rather than bringing to God the best of their flocks and herds as the Law required, they were offering sick and injured animals. Their “governor,” the Persian official in Jerusalem, would be insulted by such gifts, so how much more the God of Israel? His wish that the Temple would be shut reveals the depth of His displeasure.

Study Questions

• What was the significance of the statement, “Great is the LORD—even beyond the borders of Israel!” (v. 5)?
• Why were the priests of Israel (v. 6) singled out for God’s expression of His displeasure?
• What was God saying to Israel by His rhetorical question in verse 13?
• What is the repeated theme of Malachi 1?

Something to Think About

Malachi speaks about offerings and sacrifices, but his message speaks clearly to us today. We should also watch our attitudes as we give to the Lord and serve Him. Strive to give God your best every day and serve Him wholeheartedly with the best of your time, abilities, and resources.