The book of Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament, written around 425 BC, after the Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of the temple. Now the Jews had become complacent again so Malachi calls Israel to repentance.
Malachi starts by reminding his people of his covenant love – Jacob as opposed to Esau. “I have loved Jacob, but Esau I have hated… Edom may rebuild but I will demolish”. Then the chapter goes on to rebuke the priests. “It is you O priests who despise my name… you place defiled food on my altar… oh that one of you would shut the temple doors… for I will not accept offerings from your hands because you bring injured, crippled and diseased animals for sacrifices… for I am a great king, says the Lord Almighty, and my name is to be feared among the nations”.