Reading Malachi's Rebukes and Promise in Historical and Corporate Context

Abstract

Malachi’s prophetic voice continues to speak today through its interpreters. This article considers two of Malachi’s oracles, namely the pronouncement against divorce (Mal 2:10-17) and a call to faithful temple tithing (Mal.3:8-12) citing some of their contemporary and popular interpretations. It notes major themes that run through the book, highlighting key cultural and historical realities of Malachi’s day and its context of corporate unity. It demonstrates how differently Malachi can be understood by ignoring or utilizing the interpretive framework of historical, cultural and religious backgrounds.