(2026 Post-Exile Prophets Series-Malachi #1) I Have Loved You

“I Have Loved You”

Malachi 1:1-2:9 (Go to ESV Bible Verses)

Key Verse: 1:2a, “I have loved you,” says the LORD.

1. Who^[1] wrote this prophecy and to whom? What did God ask and what was their answer (2a)? How are the many ways that God loved Israel? Why did he hate Esau/Edom (3-5; Amos 1:11; Ezek 25:12; Obad 1:12)?
2. Do you ever question God’s love? What happens when we doubt God’s love (Gen 3:1)? How are many of the ways that God has loved you (see Rom 9:12-16; Rom 5:8; 1Jn 3:1a)?
3. What did God challenge the priests about next, and how did they reply (6)? Read God’s long charge against them (7-14). What rhetorical questions did God ask (8,9,13)? Who is the LORD that we should give our best offerings (11,14)?
4. Read Genesis 4:3-7. How have you given lame offerings to God? Think of one way you can give God your best, and pray for his help to do so.
5. Whom does God promise to curse (1:14a; 2:1)? How would God punish them (3-4)? What descriptive words describe the covenant with Levi that God wanted to continue (5-7)? How did they fail as God’s servants (8-9)?
6. Would you say that you are living as an honorable representative of God? If not, confess it to God and turn from it with his help? If so, humbly give him thanks and praise, and pray to do so even more by his grace in Jesus Christ.

1. Malachi means “my messenger” ↑