MALACHI 2
Bible Study Notes Rev. Betsy Perkins
Breaking the Covenant with God
- If a Christian and a non-Christian commit the same sin, does God view those sins in the same way? Or are the sins of Christians different than the sins of other people?
A Warning to the Priests (2:1-9):
- What is the warning that God gives to the religious leaders of the people if they don’t change their ways to be more respectful of God? This is really just a reminder of the terms of the covenant agreement between Israel and God – read Deuteronomy 28:15, 29:1, and 30:11-16.
- The literal translation of the start of verse 3 is “Because of you I will blight/rebuke your seed…” The seed could refer to crops that will fail, or it can refer to children, descendants. Seed and children were created by God to be blessing, but in what ways can they also become a curse or a problem? What else does God say He will do in that verse? What does that mean?! (read Leviticus 16:27-28)
[The priests] despised the very privilege of being priests. They were taking for granted the high calling God had given them and treating the temple ministry with contempt. Serving at the altar was a job, not a ministry, and they did it to please themselves, not to please and glorify the Lord. Unfortunately, that same attitude is in the church today. ~ Warren Wiersbe
- What was the role of priest as God intended it to be (vs.5-7)? How had the priests Malachi was addressing failed in their priestly role?
- Read 1 Peter 2:5, 9. As followers of Christ, we have become part of the holy priesthood set apart for ministry, so how does this warning apply to us as well?
A false minister is an awful weapon in the hands of Satan. “One sinner destroys much good.” (Ecclesiastes 9:18) …Whether as a pastor, missionary, teacher, choir member, or usher, being a servant of God is a serious thing, and it deserves the very best that we can give. ~ Warren Wiersbe
Breaking the Covenant of Marriage (2:10-16):
- How are the people being unfaithful to one another? How is this also breaking their covenant with God? What might be their reasons for doing this?
- When the consequences of their actions become a reality, what do those who are affected do (vs.13)? Do they recognize the connection between their sin and the brokenness they are experiencing?
After committing these sins, the men then brought offerings to the Lord and set at the altar, seeking His help and blessing. Perhaps they had the idea that they could sin blatantly with the intention of coming to God for forgiveness. But if they were truly repentant, they would have forsaken their heathen wives and taken their true wives back, which is what Ezra made them do. These men were guilty of hypocritical worship that had nothing to do with a changed heart. ~ Warren Wiersbe
- Have you ever been guilty of hypocritical worship, apologizing to God but not really wanting to change your ways?
- Many in our congregation and in our community have experienced divorce. Sexual unfaithfulness is one way in which a partner can be unfaithful to a spouse, but there are other ways to be unfaithful. How does divorce cause pain for those involved, even when it is justified due to the unfaithfulness of one of the partners?
- Do you know any Christians who are in inter-faith marriages? Do God’s commands about inter-faith marriage still apply to Christians today? (see 1Cor.7:12-16)
Breaking the Covenant of Justice (2:17-3:5):
- What is the hard truth that Malachi levels at the people in verse 17? God is never physically weary (Isaiah 40:28), so what kind of weariness is God experiencing?
- How do the people respond? Why do they think God should be pleased with them? Why do they think God has failed to be a God of justice? (see verse 5 for some examples)
These skeptical Jews had forgotten the terms of the covenant and the conditions laid down by the prophets: If the people obeyed God’s law, God would bless them with all they needed. But they were divorcing their wives, marrying pagan women, offering defiled sacrifices, robbing God of tithes and offerings, and complaining about having to serve the Lord! For God to bless people like that would mean approving of their sins. The Jews didn’t need justice; they needed mercy! ~ Warren Wiersbe
- How may this still be true of us today?
- What does God promise (3:1) in response to their question, “Where is the God of justice”?
- Jesus recalls this promise in Luke 7:24-27. Who is he talking about? Is Malachi also speaking of another messenger?
- Starting in verse 3:2, God seems to also be speaking about more than just the arrival of John the Baptist and Jesus. What other “day of his coming” might He have in mind?
- In verse 3:1, we learn that the people of Israel are longing for the Lord to arrive back into the Temple. Yet Malachi warns them that it will not be all joy and celebration. What are the reasons to dread that day (see also Amos 5:18)? What are the reasons to not be afraid?
- Malachi uses images of purification to describe what will take place on that day. What images does he use? What will God’s Messenger be cleaning or purifying? Why?
In the law of Moses, God provided three ways for people and things to be cleansed and made acceptable to God: water, fire and blood. There is no mention here of blood because Jesus Christ died for sinners at His first coming. But He would wash the unclean nation like a launderer washes dirty clothes. He would purify the tribe of Levi the way a jeweler purifies precious metal in his furnace. ~ Warren Wiersbe
- Even today you can hear people saying things like, “I can’t wait for Jesus to return!” What are your concerns and your hopes for that Day of Christ’s Return?
These Israelites were not unlike some Christians today who talk about the coming of the Lord as though seeing Him will be more like beholding a visiting celebrity and basking in his or her glory. Standing at the judgment seat of Christ will be an awesome experience, even though we know that we have a place reserved for us in heaven. ~ Warren Wiersbe
- What is some of the dirt that God will clean up on that day of judgment (3:5)? How might we personally be involved in dirty deeds and in need of cleaning?
- How do the arrival of John the Baptist and Jesus each answer the question, “Where is God’s justice”?
In light of this passage and our discussion, what one truth about God and about yourself stand out as something to “take to heart” this week?
Are there steps you will take, by God’s grace, to more fully apply it to your life?
Resources: NIV Zondervan Study Bible, 2015
J. Gordon McConville, Exploring the Old Testament: A Guide to the Prophets, Volume 4, 2002
Dr. Larry Crabb, 66 Love Letters, 2009
Warren Wiersbe, Be Amazed: Restoring an Attitude of Wonder and Worship, 1996
Tim Mackie, The Bible Project, How to Read Malachi (RightNowMedia)
Add Your Comment