Malachi

One more time, an oracle, Malachi, is sent to the people to warn them to turn back to God. They have heard this message time and time again, but what follows will be four hundred years of silence. When next a prophet will be heard it will be John the Baptist, proclaiming, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

Malachi speaks especially to the priests who were offering flawed animals for sacrifices. The spotless and perfect sacrifices were to be a foreshadowing of the Lamb of God, Jesus, who would eventually be the last and ultimate sacrifice, so it is no wonder that God took issue with this foul practice. Malachi also tells the people that they are robbing God with their lack of tithing. In a call to return to honesty in giving, he asks the people to test God and see if he will not bless them when they give.

Impressions: The message of the prophets comes through loud and clear. Who can miss the warnings, and promises of blessings, if one but reads even a small portion of these writings?

Readability: 3 stars

This brings to a conclusion my reading of the Old Testament of the Holy Bible. I am looking forward to starting the Gospel of Matthew. It will be like entering a new world, the new covenant. The first two parts of the Gospel are now behind us, Creation, and The Fall. Now we enter into the story of the coming Messiah and the redemption that he brings to all mankind, the third part of the Gospel. At the end of the New Testament, and actually throughout the second part of the Bible, reference is made continually to the final part of the Gospel, restoration, the promise given throughout the books of the prophets.