The Message of Malachi

The book of Malachi fittingly sits in Christian Bibles as the last book of
the Old Testament, which it assumes, summarizes and applies. Yet it also looks
forward to the New Testament with its promises of the coming reign of God.

A striking feature of the book is the way in which every word of God is
contradicted or questioned by his people. God's persistence in speaking to them
is a clear picture of sin and grace in close proximity. Furthermore, God's
people neither served him wholeheartedly nor turned entirely away in blatant
disobedience. This was not neutral territory but a dangerous whirlpool of
self-deception.

Peter Adam's thorough exposition shows how Malachi is God's effective remedy
for such a situation. The greatest sin of God's people is the sin against
God—the source of all sin against ourselves and others. At the heart of God's
people, the church, must lie a deep, overwhelming conviction that God loves
them—just as he reminds Israel in his first words to them in this book.

"These ancient themes still challenge us today, and Adam continually
points us toward the saving work of Christ while reminding us of them. The
Message of Malachi will prove a valuable resource for those who desire to
preach from Malachi or simply understand it better."

Jason Brueckner, Bible Study Magazine, March/April 2014

General preface
Author's preface
Select bibliography
Introduction
1. The word of the Lord (1:1)
2. I have loved you (1:2-5)
3. Don't despise me (1:6-14)
4. Honour my name (2:1-9)
5. Do not be faithless (2:10-16)
6. Don't weary me (2:17-3:5)
7. Return to me, don't rob me (3:6-12)
8. Final words (3:13-4:6)

Adam, formerly principal of Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia,
is emeritus vicar of St. Jude's in nearby Carlton. His other books include Speaking