1. Malachi 1:1–4:6 (ESV)
  2. Structure and outline

The division of the prophecy of Malachi

Malachi 1:1–4:6 (ESV)

1 The oracle of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.

Between the superscription of Malachi 1:1 and the epilogue in Malachi 4:4–6, there are six disputes:

  1. Malachi 1:2–5: God’s people doubt his love for them.

  2. Malachi 1:6 – 2:9: God’s people offer defiled sacrifices, and the priests permit it.
    a. The defiled sacrifices (Malachi 1:6–14)
    b. The defiled priesthood (Malachi 2:1–9)

  3. Malachi 2:10–16: God’s people are unfaithful in their marriages.

  4. Malachi 2:17 – 3:5: God’s people doubt God’s justice in rewarding the righteous and punishing the wicked.

  5. Malachi 3:6–12: God’s people are unfaithful in giving their tithes (or first fruits) to the Lord. 

  6. Malachi 3:13 – 4:3: God’s people doubt that there is any benefit in serving God, failing to keep in mind the coming day of judgment.