The prophet Malachi ministered to the Jews who returned from exile. In 586 B.C., Jerusalem was utterly destroyed (see Lamentations), and the final deportations of captives were taken to Babylon. Some captives (about 50,000) began to return under the leadership of Zerubbabel (see Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah). However, the 70-year captivity was not over until the temple was rebuilt and worship resumed in Jerusalem, in 516 B.C. (see 1Ki 8:46–53; Jer 32:36–37; Dan 6:1–17). Many of the sins cited by Malachi were already prominent in the time of Nehemiah (cf. Nehemiah 13) and were corrected by his reforms.
These notes are from the February 2011 conference on Malachi held in Florida.
Malachi – The Choice of a Nation – Florida 2011
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Elijah returns from the desert and tasked by God with anointing Elisha in his place (1Ki 19:19-21). Elijah had tremendous courage, but is often put on a pedestal and obviously had failures (Jam 5:17-18). God empowers His servant, making a character out of something he's not, so that Grace is the obvious key. It's a privilege to pick a successor. Elisha was chosen by God; He named him to Elijah. The lord prepares His ministers (Jer 1:5, Gal 1:15). Elisha was probably the first born in the family. He was serving in the family where he was. Leadership is the highest form of service. You must be faithful in your own house to be able to lead the larger "family" (1Ti 3:4-5, Tit 1:6). Mantel is a symbol of the prophets office. Elijah takes his mantel and "cast his mantel on him". 12 yoke of oxen means a prosperous farm. Elisha asks Elijah if he can set everything aside - "Please let me kiss my father and mother, and then I'll follow you" (1Co 9:17, 1Pe 5:2). Elijah says "Go back again: for what have I done to you" meaning "It's your choice". Elisha threw a party for the family, leaving them with a celebration of leaving the things of this life behind (Phi 3:7). As Elisha walks away from the farm, he's joyful in doing what God would have of him. Elisha followed Elijah as his servant. Elisha is known for his service (2Ki 3:11) "...who poured water on the hands of Elijah". This is the example the Lord gave to the disciples when He washed their feet. The greatness of Elisha was the extended ministry of Elijah. How much have you learned to be a servant to reflect service to the Lord by serving those around you?