The New Jerusalem

Malachi depicted in the Bartolini Chapel

Malachi 1:1 An oracle. The word of the Lord to Israel by Mǎl’ākî.

The book of Malachi is the last of the Old Testament prophets, written around 460 B.C. It begins much like its contemporaries, identifying the prophet as Mǎl’ākî. However, some scholars see this not as a proper name, but a pseudonym, adopted to avoid persecution.

Mǎl’ākî is likely a generic title or office rather than a proper name. The name Mǎl’ākî is found nowhere else in the Bible and literally means my messenger.

“There is no prophet of Israel named Malachi anywhere else in the Bible. Also, the Hebrew expression Mal’aki is not a proper name; it simply means “my messenger” (3:1), and many scholars think that the book’s title comes from Mal 3:1.” – Minor Prophets, The Navarre Bible. 2005, pg 337.

The Hebrew “Mǎl’ākî” is used again in Mal 3:1, understood as an unnamed messenger of Yahweh. “Since the phrase is an anonymous designation in Mal 3:1, it ought to be the same in v. 1.” (Faithlife Study Bible, 2016).

“It could be a proper name, but [my messenger] would be an unusual name for a child. It would seem best to conclude, then, that “Malachi” is a title, not a name, and that the book is anonymous.” – Paul Redditt, Eerdman’s Bible Dictionary. 2000, pg 848.

The earliest translations of Malachi 1:1 indicate that this is what they understood the Hebrew to be saying. The Greek Septuagint (100 B.C.) and Aramaic (100 A.D.) translation render Mal’aki as “my messenger.”

What does this opening indicate? The author is indicating himself as the messenger of Yahweh, a prophet. Authorized and appointed to relay God’s message and speak on his behalf to Israel.

However, no other prophetic book in the bible is written anonymously. Why does Mǎl’ākî omit his name? It may be related to the subject of his message.

A primary component of Malachi’s message is the corruption of the temple priesthood (Mal 2:7-9). Indeed, the first half of the work is concerned with calling out the priests for their corrupt practices and evil done from a place of authority. Malachi likely feared that his harsh message to the priests would result in his execution if his identity was revealed. It was common for prophets to suffer death at the hands of the priests and kings of Israel (1 Kings 19:1-2, 22:24-27, 2 Chron 24:20-22, Mark 6:17-19, Matt 23:31, 37, Luke 11:47-51, John 16:1-2, Acts 7:51-52).

Malachi’s anonymity becomes an eternal testament to the danger he faced writing this letter. Israel’s widespread corruption even rendered the prophet of God unsafe from persecution. From the outset, before any indictment has been proclaimed, we sense the grave nature of the situation.

We learn that even those most faithful to Yahweh can be vulnerable to those who claim to be the closest to God. Yet God still speaks, and his words shine through.

Thoughtful and challenging comments or questions are appreciated and invited!