Macrostructure

How did Elizabeth Achtemeier in her 1986

Nahum - Malachi volume for the Interpretation

series of Commentaries arrange BOOK OF PROPHET

MALACHI ?

(from page 30 of Volume 25D, Anchor Bible volume

by Prof. Andrew E. Hill, Wheaton College)

Malachi as a Legal Proceeding

in a Court Setting

I. Yahweh as Defendant

     A. Charges Filed by

        the plaintiff Judah

        1. Yahweh has not

          loved Israel (1:2-5)

        2. Yahweh has neglected

          covenant promises (2:17-3:6)

II. Role Reversal -- Judah as Defendant

  A. Charges filed by Plaintiff Yahweh

   1. Judah has defiled the liturgy (1:6-14)

   2. Judah's priests are corrupt (2:1-9)

   3. Judah has profaned the marriage covenant

      (2:10-17)

   4. Judah has violated Yahweh's Covenant (3:5-7)

   5. Judah has robbed God of his tithe (3:8-15)

III. Verdict of the Jury

 A. Yahweh Innocent (3:16)

 B. Affirmation of the righteous (3:17-21) [4:3]

IV. Final Remonstrance by Priest-Judge to 

    Obey Mosaic Law (3:22) [4:4]

V.  Concluding Promise of Divine Mercy & Love

(3:23 - 24) [4:5 - 6]