Author
The prophet Malachi's name means "my messenger," and some have wondered whether that was his real name or a title. For example, "My messenger" in 3:1 has the same Hebrew form as the name Malachi. Additionally, the phrases "the messenger of the Lord of Hosts" (2:7) and "the Messenger of the covenant" (3:1) are related to Malachi's name. The emphasis of the book is clearly on the message rather than the messenger, since 47 of the book's 55 verses are personal addresses from the Lord. An ancient Jewish tradition identifies Malachi with Ezra, but this seems improbable. Since all the other writing prophets are named in the heading to their book, it seems best to take Malachi as the prophet's name.
Historical Background of Malachi
Malachi could have written his book anytime between about 500–400 b.c. The earlier date is the approximate time for the fall of Edom (Esau), which Malachi referred to as in the past (1:2-4). The later date is about the time that Nehemiah's ministry ended and when the last part of the OT was written. Certain issues that Malachi treated were also treated by Ezra and Nehemiah, leading to the conclusion that Malachi was likely written between 450–400 b.c. These include the problems of mixed marriages (Ezr 9–10; Neh 10:30; 13:23-27; Mal 2:11), corrupt priests (Neh 13:4-9; Mal 1:6–2:9), and the failure of people to pay their tithes (Neh 13:10-13; Mal 3:5-10).
The Meaning of Malachi's Message
Malachi contrasted the faithfulness of the Lord with the faithlessness of Israel. The Lord had always loved Israel, still loved Israel, and would always love His people. In return, the Lord expected the honor due to a father from a child or the respect due to a master from a slave. The Israelites had failed to honor God, choosing instead to participate in disrespectful worship practices and to oppress their fellow Israelites. The Lord would deal with these issues by judging the guilty and blessing the repentant. He would purify His people, removing those who persisted in disobedience and leaving behind a righteous remnant.
While animal sacrifices and tithes are concerns more of the OT than of the NT, the principle of bringing the best to the Lord still abides. Honor and respect are still due the Lord, and He still desires that those who worship Him do so by dedicating themselves entirely to Him. The tithe was a way to carry out in an economic way the wholehearted love of God and the love of neighbor as oneself (Lv 19:18; Dt 6:4-9). Believers today would do well to consider all they have as a stewardship responsibility from the Lord, asking Him what He would have them do with what He has given.