Malachi

This is the thirty-third in a series of biblical summaries from David Dorsey's book: The Literary Structure of the Old Testament.  This is the twelfth in the sub-series of minor prophets, covering Malachi.

a   Yahweh is just: he "loves" (the faithful remnant of) Israel but will utterly
      destroy wicked Edom (1:2-5)
     b   priests and people have cheated Yahweh in their offerings (1:6-14)
          c   in the past Levi served in righteousness (2:1-9)
               d   CENTER: stop being faithless! (2:10-16)
          c'  in the future Yahweh's messenger will come (2:17-3:6)
     b'  people have robbed Yahweh in tithes and offerings (3:7-12)
a'  Yahweh is just: he will reward the righteous but will utterly destroy the wicked (3:13-4:3)
conclusion: day of Yahweh (4:4-6

The 'a' pattern emphasizes Yahweh's just judgment.  While the first section emphasizes Edom, and his judgment upon the "wicked" country, that "thought they rebuild, I will tear down, the second section emphasizes a more general judgment upon the wicked, that Yahweh will bring them to an end, leaving them "neither root nor branch."  All this suggests that whether in particular or in general, Yahweh is just.

The 'b' pattern emphasizes unrighteousness with regard to giving back to God.  Both sections emphasize that unacceptable tithes and offerings have been brought.  While the first section speaks of a curse upon those who have cheated Yahweh in their offerings, the second section says, "you are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me."  The first section shows Yahweh wishing someone would shut the doors of his temple so that no more unacceptable offerings could be brought in.  The second section, echoing the doors with windows, shows Yahweh exhorting the people to bring acceptable offerings for his temple, with the promise that he will open the windows of heaven.  Finally, both sections have a five-part introduction, followed by exhortation and promise.

The 'c' pattern emphasizes levitical priests, with the first section looking back to past faithfulness and the second section looking forward to future faithfulness.  The first section emphasizes how the Levites have turned from Yahweh.  The second section emphasizes that when the messenger comes, the Levites will be purified.  In the first section, Levi keeps Yahweh's covenant.  In the second section, the messenger will be the "messenger of the covenant."  In the first section, the priest is the messenger of Yahweh.  In the second, the messenger will.  In the first section, priests have turned aside from the way.  In the second, the messenger will prepare the way before Yahweh.  All this suggests a renewal of the priesthood.

The 'd' section is a central exhortation to repent.  Dorsey writes: "Here Malachi appeals to the people to stop being faithless.  The theme of this unit is the faithlessness of the people - in their social relations, their spiritual obligations, and their marital relations." (323-324)

Dorsey writes concerning the conclusion:

"The appendix, because it both concludes the book and stands outside the symmetric arrangement, is doubly highlighted.  It serves as the book's grand finale, capsulizing Malachi's message: Yahweh has wonderful plans for his people.  He is going to send his representative to his people to take charge and to right all wrongs - someone like the prophet Elijah.  He will bring Israel back to Yahweh.  So take heart!  And most important: "Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel" (4:4)  With this closing injunction, we have come full circle in the Old Testament, which began, it will be recalled, with the Book of the Law of Moses.  Malachi calls Israel to return to that law, to return to its original treaty with God." (324)