Part One: Intertestamental Period
There was a 400-year period between the end of the Old Testament and the New Testament. Many events happened between the Old Testament and the New Testament before Jesus arrived on the scene. All though no prophetic speaking or inspired writing by God took place during these times, I still believe that understanding these events can help you comprehend the setting within the Gospel. Here are some key points that lead up to the book of Malachi, the last book in the Bible:(In the Book of Joshua). Joshua became the leader after Moses died. Joshua led the people in battle and conquered the land that God promised His people(Joshua 1:1-9)(In the Book of 1st Samuel). God's people began to look at other nations and saw that they had kings. Instead of setting an example for the other nations, they decided to follow in the footstep of the other kingdoms around them. Israel didn't understand that God was their king, but they wanted an earthly king to lead them. So, God decided to give them what they wanted. Instead of allowing God to choose a king for them, they decided that they wanted to select their king (1 Samuel 8).(In the Book of 1st Samuel & 2nd Samuel). God selected David as the next king.(In the Book of 1st Kings). David's son, Solomon, became king, but he didn't keep God's covenant. God told Soloman that He was going to tear the kingdom away from him and give it to one of his subordinates (1 King 11:11)(In the Book of 1st Kings). When Solomon died, his son Rehoboam became king. Jeroboam asked Rehoboam to " lighten the harsh labor demands and heavy taxes that your father imposed on us. Then we will be your loyal subject (1 Kings 12:4 NLT). Rehoboam listened to the advice of his peers and made their burden heavier.(In the Book of 1st Kings). The kingdom was split because of Rehoboam's decision. Ten tribes: went to the North- the Northern Kingdom is known as Israel. Two tribes: went to the South-the Southern Kingdom is, known as Judah.(In the Book of 1st Kings & 2nd Kings). Nineteen kings reigned in the North (All of them were evil). The nation of Israel began to backslide, and God sent prophets: Elisah, Elisha, Amos, and Hosea: to expose their sinful practices, warn them of coming judgment, and call them to repentance. Israel refused to listen, so God allowed the Assyrians to take their land and scatter HIS people (722 BC).(In the Book of 1st Kings & 2nd Kings). Twenty kings reigned in the South (some were good, but most were evil). Eventually, the good ones turned away from God too. The Tribe of Judah began to backslide, and God sent prophets: Isaiah, Micah, and Jeremiah: to expose their sinful practices, warn them of coming judgment, and call them to repentance. The Tribe of Judah didn't listen, so God allowed the Babylonians to capture them (2nd Kings 24:14), and they were in exile (586 BC). God sent prophets: Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel to speak to His people while they were in captivity (70 years).The Persians defeated the Babylonians. The Persia King allowed the Jews to return to their homeland in Jerusalem. However, many did not want to return to Jerusalem because they were used to living in another culture (70 years). However, some of the Jews wanted to return to their heritage. So, only a tiny amount return to their homeland.Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah were the leaders that led the rebuilding of the Temple.Finally, the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi were the final prophet sent by God to keep them straight. However, the people went back to their old ways: disobeying God.
The Coming Day of Judgment
The Persians became rulers over the Jewish people, and the Persians had sovereignty over Jerusalem. Most of the people remained cold-hearted toward God. Even the priest stop observing the Mosaic Law. The Israelites would offer blind animals, diseased animals, or animals with problems as a sacrifice to God. They didn't have respect for God.Moreover, they intermarried with other nations. Those other nations led the Israelites to continue to sin against God. So, Malachi confronted them about their sins and encouraged them to live a holy lifestyle.The book of Malachi is the last Old Testament Book in the Bible. And the Old Testament ended with the prophet Malachi, and he assured the Jewish community that God would send the Messianic King and HE would come to judge his people and bless and restore them.