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
Gene Cunningham - September 11, 2000
Elijah #13
God answers prayer in accordance with His will (Jam 5:13-18). To be "righteous" is to have have imputed righteousness from having believed in Christ (Jam 5:16). Our prayers are effective if they are in accordance with His word. Elisha was being faithful in his family position (1Ki 19:19-21). Elisha is introduced as Elijah's replacement and servant (2Ki 3:11). Elijah plays a role in the future (Mal 4:1-6). His work will be reconciliation of families.
Scripture References: Malachi 4:1-6, James 5:16, James 5:13-18
From Series: "Elijah"
Elijah's life shows us the keys to spiritual power: the power of God's Word faith prayer revival and failure.