Malachi's blessings and curses in relation to the covenantal blessings and curses of Deuteronomy 27-30

Abstract

Historically the book of Malachi has not been at the center of scholarly study and discussion. Compared to other books of the Bible, only few studies have been done on Malachi. Most of these generally focus on historical- critical considerations of the book, the social situation of the Jews in postexilic times, the relationshlp between Malachi, Haggai and Zechariah, or the literary structure of the book. Nevertheless, a study of blesslngs and curses in the book of Malachi has not been done. Furthermore, the relationship between Malachi's blessings and curses and the covenantal blessings and curses of Deuteronomy 27-30, and how this relationship affects the overall message of Malachi, has not been fully explored.

The purpose of this study is multifaceted: (1) to systematically explore the connections that exist between Malachi and Deuteronomy, especially between the blessings and curses of both books; (2) to analyze the way in which Malachi uses the blessings and curses of Deut 21-30; and (3) to discuss how being aware of the usage of blessings and curses in the book of Malachi can broaden our under- standing of the message of this book.

Several conclusions may be derived from the flndings of this research. First, the book of Malachi seems to be dellberately linked to Deuteronomy by way of the use of blessings and curses that point retrospectively to the covenantal blessings and curses of Deut 27-30. Other relevant links between both books include the use of common themes and lexical connections.

Second, Malachi strengthens its message and gives urgency through the deliberate use of connections with Deuteronomy, as weIl as other covenantal features employed in the book. Malachi embraces the concept of covenant and thus, delivers its message in a way that would strongly appeal to the people of Israel. The book presents itself as a call for covenant renewal.

Third, when significant and specific connections between Malachi and Deuteronomy are identifled, and the centrality of the concept of covenant in Malachi is evidenced, this must change the way in which Malachi's messages are perceived. The book ought to be analyzed in the context of the covenant relationship between God and His people. In this way, aIl the requests, accusations, arguments, curses, and promises that could otherwise be categorlzed as legalistically driven, may be recognized as indicators of the people's fidelity or lack thereof , and of the quality of their relationship with their suzerain, the Great King, Yahweh.

The book of Malachi, as perceived in this investigation, constitutes a last call and ultimatum from the Divine suzerain to His unfaithful people by which Israel can either return to God and enjoy covenantal blessings, or choose to remain distant from God and be utterly destroyed.