Malachi 1-4; Psalm 2; Revelation 9
The last book of the Old Testament was written after the Jews returned from Babylonian exile. Following the revival during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, the people quickly returned to a state of formal religiosity. Malachi exposes their key issues, helping us see common human attitudes toward God.
• People stop valuing God’s blessings, taking them for granted.
• People cease to honor God as they should:
“If I am a Father, where is My honor? And if I am a Master, where is your fear of Me?” (Mal. 1:6).
The priests had specific issues as well. They failed to fulfill their role:
“For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth because he is the messenger of the Lord of Armies. But you have turned from the way; you have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have violated the covenant of Levi, says the Lord of Armies.” (Mal. 2:7-8).
Formal religiosity became the norm, while genuine service to God was considered abnormal by the majority:
“You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God.’” (Mal. 3:14).
This is contrasted with the life of those who fear the Lord:
“Those who feared the Lord spoke to one another at that time. The Lord took notice and listened, so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who feared the Lord and highly regarded His name.” (Mal. 3:16).
Key Verse:
“But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.” (Mal. 4:2).
Psalm 2
A well-known Messianic psalm about Christ, proclaiming His authority and kingship.
Revelation 9
The fifth and sixth trumpets reveal the direct activity of demonic forces as a plague of demonic locusts and riders on horses. Despite God’s judgments, people continue to resist Him:
“They did not repent.” (Rev. 9:21).
• People stop valuing God’s blessings, taking them for granted.
• People cease to honor God as they should:
“If I am a Father, where is My honor? And if I am a Master, where is your fear of Me?” (Mal. 1:6).
The priests had specific issues as well. They failed to fulfill their role:
“For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth because he is the messenger of the Lord of Armies. But you have turned from the way; you have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have violated the covenant of Levi, says the Lord of Armies.” (Mal. 2:7-8).
Formal religiosity became the norm, while genuine service to God was considered abnormal by the majority:
“You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God.’” (Mal. 3:14).
This is contrasted with the life of those who fear the Lord:
“Those who feared the Lord spoke to one another at that time. The Lord took notice and listened, so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who feared the Lord and highly regarded His name.” (Mal. 3:16).
Key Verse:
“But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.” (Mal. 4:2).
Psalm 2
A well-known Messianic psalm about Christ, proclaiming His authority and kingship.
Revelation 9
The fifth and sixth trumpets reveal the direct activity of demonic forces as a plague of demonic locusts and riders on horses. Despite God’s judgments, people continue to resist Him:
“They did not repent.” (Rev. 9:21).
Posted in Reading Bible Together