Malachi 1: Group Study Handout

Overview

Yahweh's word comes to Israel through Malachi, declaring His love for Jacob and His hatred for Esau (vv. 1-2). He states that Edom will be judged, despite its claims of rebuilding, as they will be called ‘The Wicked Land’ (vv. 3-5). Yahweh addresses the priests, questioning the honor due to Him as their father and master, and rebuking them for despising His name (vv. 6-8). He criticizes their offerings of polluted bread and blind sacrifices, urging them to seek His favor and warning that He takes no pleasure in their vain worship (vv. 9-10). Yahweh proclaims that His name is great among the nations, where pure offerings will be made to Him (vv. 11-13). He warns against deceiving Him with defective sacrifices, asserting His greatness (v. 14).

Key verse

“But the deceiver is cursed, who has in his flock a male, and vows, and sacrifices to the Lord a defective thing; for I am a great King,” says Yahweh of Armies, “and my name is awesome among the nations.”

Malachi 1:14 (WEB)

Outline

1. Malachi 1:1–2 Yahweh's Declaration of Love
2. Malachi 1:3–5 Edom's Judgment
3. Malachi 1:6–8 Rebuke to the Priests
4. Malachi 1:9–10 Call for True Worship
5. Malachi 1:11–13 God's Name Among Nations
6. Malachi 1:14 Warning Against Deception

Discussion questions

1. In v2, what does Yahweh say about Jacob and Esau?
2. What does Yahweh call Edom in v4?
3. In v10, why does Yahweh express a desire for someone to shut the doors?
4. The phrase 'polluted bread' in v7: how does this define the priests' actions?
5. When have you offered something to God that felt less than your best, like 'lame' or 'sick' animals in v8?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Malachi 1: Luke 6, Malachi 3, Isaiah 1.

Before next time: read Malachi 2.