The Scofield Bible Commentary, by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield, [1917], at sacred-texts.com
Book Introduction - Malachi
Malachi, "my messenger," the last of the prophets to the restored remnant after the 70 years' captivity, probably prophesied in the time of confusion during Nehemiah's absence (Neh 13:6). The burden of his message is, the love of Jehovah, the sins of the priests and of the people, and the day of the Lord. Malachi, like Zechariah, sees both advents and predicts two forerunners (Mal 3:1; Mal 4:5-6). As a whole, Malachi gives the moral judgement of God on the remnant restored by his grace under Ezra and Nehemiah. He had established his house among them, but their worship was formal and insincere.
The book is in four natural divisions:
1. The love of God for Israel (Malachi 1:1-5).
2. The sins of the priests rebuked (Malachi 1:6 - 2:9).
3. The sins of the people rebuked (Malachi 2:10 - 3:18).
4. The day of the Lord (Malachi 4:1-6).