Abstract
The category of is considered to be the dominant and cohesive idea in the theology of the OT. It is the means through which Israel conceptualise its relation with Yahweh. Although the term covenant is variously and even contradictorily defined, its applicability to Israel's conceptualisation of its relationship with Yahweh is pervasive and well-known. The relationship between Israel and Yahweh is considered to be its constitution, its vocation, and its salvation. From a theological view point, the essential components of Malachi's oracles are the person-hood of Yahweh - the God of Israel, Yahweh's relationship with Israel, and the all-pervasive message of unreserved and enthusiastic personal response of Israel to the truth assertions of the prophetic voice. This article thus demonstrates the significance of as the central and cohesive theological motif connecting and coordinatingseveral themes present in the book of Malachi as well as illuminating its message. In Malachi, one observes that certain religious fundamentals were compromised. In order to deal with the indifference and its adverse consequences in the gradual decline towards an unstructured existence and to hold together a society that upholds values and maintains an ancient faith, Malachi was skill-full and creative in his employment of the theme to the advantage of his ministerial context. The article presents precise background and historical information about the book of Malachi that are crucial to an understanding of its theme and message, the book's literary style, theme and structure, examines the various themes and then concludes by synthesising these themes with the overall message of the book's context.
Highlights
The category of covenant is considered to be the dominant and cohesive idea in the theology of the OT
The article presents precise background and historical information about the book of Malachi that are crucial to an understanding of its theme and message, the book’s literary style, theme and structure, examines the various covenant themes and concludes by synthesising these themes with the overall message of the book’s context
In projecting YHWH’s appearance, Malachi calls for observance of Mosaic Torah, and thereby recalls the instruction in YHWH’s Torah that will be given in Zion (Mic 4); it looks forward to the appearance of Elijah, who is perhaps associated with the allusions to Jehoshaphat in Joel and Obadiah, when Israel turns its heart back to YHWH
Summary
The concept of covenant is considered to be the dominant and cohesive theme in the theology of the OT.[2]. The fourth type of covenant involved a solemn promise by one party to another to grant a certain benefit or good These are usually called “promissory covenants, or covenants of grants.”[11] Israel’s covenant relationship with Yahweh is considered to be its constitution, its vocation, and its salvation. While the idea is a multifaceted one, it includes descriptive norms (though it is more a motive for justice than a source of law) and shared experience of Yahweh’s saving acts It serves as the hermeneutic for interpreting history as continuance of those acts. In Malachi, one observes that certain religious fundamentals were compromised: did Yahweh love Israel and what evidence of Yahweh’s justice does one find in his world? The article presents precise background and historical information about the book of Malachi that are crucial to an understanding of its theme and message, the book’s literary style, theme and structure, examines the various covenant themes and concludes by synthesising these themes within the overall context of the book’s message
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